Zee Nxumalo and Dlala Thukzin bring a fresh energy to ‘Awe Mah’, a track that mixes vibrant beats with youthful defiance. The poet Kamogelo Harold Shakoane writes lyrics that repeat the idea of expensive sneakers, while the performers emphasize staying awake to enjoy life. The music, produced by a team including Funky Qla and Shakes & Les, drives the song’s playful yet serious tone.
Released: February 20, 2026
Awe Mah
Dlala Thukzin | Zee Nxumalo
Lyricist
Kamogelo Harold Shakoane, Mpumelelo Khumalo, Sihle Rick Lukhele, Siphamanda Ngema, Thuthuka Zindlovu, Zandile Nhdlovu, Zee Nxumalo
Awe Mah Lyrics English Translation by Dlala Thukzin | Zee Nxumalo
Kamogelo Harold Shakoane and the group pen lines like ‘These sneakers are expensive, I am expensive too,’ blending humor with self-worth. The songwriter Zee Nxumalo describes the thrill of being young and unstoppable, while the repetitive beat mirrors the relentless energy of the night. The lyrics balance celebration with a hint of rebellion, as the characters choose fun over sleep.
Cheese boy‘Cheese boy’,
Ayadura amatekithese sneakers are expensive.
Ayadura amatekiThese sneakers are expensive,
Ayadura amatekithese sneakers are expensive.
Cheese boy‘Cheese boy’,
Ayadura amatekithese sneakers are expensive.
Ayadura amatekiThese sneakers are expensive,
Ayadura amatekithese sneakers are expensive.
Awe mahOh my,
Namhlanje ang’laliI’m not sleeping today,
Ayi as’lalino, we aren’t sleeping.
Awe mahOh my,
Namhlange as’laliwe aren’t sleeping today,
Thina as’laliwe really aren’t sleeping.
Awe mahOh my,
Uyong’xolel’ uMdalithe Creator will forgive me,
Kuyokhal’ umzalieven if my parents complain,
Bang’gxek’ umphakathiand the community criticizes me.
Awe mahOh my,
Ngiyoqaqek’ igazimy blood is rushing,
Mina ngimncanebecause I am young,
Mina ngimncaneI am still young.
Awe mahOh my,
Namhlanje ang’laliI’m not sleeping today,
Namhlanje ang’lalitoday I won’t sleep,
Namhlanje ang’laliI’m staying up today.
Awe mahOh my,
Lana kumnandiit’s so good here,
Siyilanda phansiwe’re taking it all the way down,
Siyagroova as’dlaliwe’re grooving, not just playing around.
Awe mahOh my,
Lana kumnandiit’s nice here,
Lana kumnandiit’s really nice here,
Lana kumnandiit’s so good here.
Awe mahOh my,
Lana kumnandiit’s good here,
Siyagroova as’dlaliwe’re grooving seriously,
Kuqaqek’ igaziand the excitement is rushing.
Cheese boy‘Cheese boy’,
Ayadura amatekithese sneakers are expensive.
Ayadura amatekiThese sneakers are expensive,
Ayadura amatekithese sneakers are pricey.
Cheese boy‘Cheese boy’,
Ayadura amatekithese kicks are expensive.
Ayadura amatekiThese sneakers are expensive,
Ayadura amatekithese sneakers are expensive.
Awe mahOh my,
Namhlanje ang’lalitoday I’m not sleeping.
Namhlanje ang’laliI’m not sleeping today,
Namhlanje ang’laliI won’t sleep today.
Awe mahOh my,
Lana kumnandiit’s nice here,
Siyilanda phansiwe’re taking it down low,
Siyagroova as’dlaliwe’re grooving, not playing games.
‘Awe Mah’ is about living life to the fullest, no matter the cost. The lyrics highlight the value of self-confidence and the joy of staying young at heart, wrapped in Zulu and South African vibes.
