HomeIAM Sheet MusicSongs / Vocal piecesAmahubo/Hymn SongsBayaziphingisa Empini Ihubo (Hymn)


for Vocal Ensemble

Transcribed from the performance of Mntwana Prince LG Zulu by Phumelele Mzimela

This song forms part of the Amahubo Asendlunkulu which are the traditional songs of the Zulu people.

King Cetshwayo was Princess Magogo’s grandfather and this ihubo is known as Ihubo lika Cetshwayo (Cetshwayo’s Hymn). The song sings about the victory attained by King Cetshwayo at Ndandokusuka. When a king dies, among the Zulu, serious amahubo anthems are sung. All the mourners come weeping, and singing songs and anthems. They wait for each other and sing mourning songs together for the King. At the burial ceremony, anthems are also sung, such as this one, of King Cetshwayo.

Reference: Rycroft, D.K., 1975. A royal account of music in Zulu life with translation, annotation, and musical transcription. Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, 38(2), pp.351-402.