VULINDLELA

Yesterday morning, I listened to this wonderful song Vulindlela sung by Brenda Fassie, the South African star. Wow! What a joy. My feet kept moving on it's own , my body kept jiving and oh! man this song is a joyous celebration of being alive!

The lyrics tell a deeply personal and culturally significant story. In the song, Fassie sings about her son’s wedding, addressing neighborhood gossips (like maMgobhozi and maNyauza) who previously claimed that he was a player and would never settle down. She proudly declares that the wedding day has arrived, telling the neighbors to stop being jealous, "clear the path" (Vul'indlela), and make way for the bride and groom. 

Released in 1997, the track became a monumental national anthem in South Africa. Beyond its narrative about a wedding, "Vulindlela" resonated deeply with the country's post-apartheid optimism

. The metaphor of "clearing the path" and opening the road was widely viewed as a symbol of the nation stepping into a new, free era following Nelson Mandela becoming the country's first Black president. 

To this day, the track remains a beloved South African favourite.  I love this song and for me personally I sing this song for my own son.  I sing it for my own Benjamin and I know that my silent prayers are clearing the path for my son to settle down, to marry a good South African girl, to have children ... lots and lots and lots and to silence the aunties with the gossip stories.  Vulindlela ... clear the path!  We are clearing the path Brenda ... we are are clearing the path together!