Sjava and Delayde join forces in ‘Grounding,’ a track from the album ‘Isibuko.’ Jabulani Makhubo pens heartfelt lyrics while collaborating with Joe Maurice Mawson, Karum Nesta Cooper, and Webmoms on the melody. The song mixes traditional Zulu themes with modern struggles, creating a powerful conversation between a mother and son.
Released: January 27, 2023
Grounding
Delayde | Sjava • From “Isibuko”
What is the meaning of Grounding Lyrics from Isibuko?
The songwriter describes a mother’s plea for her son to marry, saying, ‘You can see that your sun’s setting now.’ This line highlights the urgency of tradition and the weight of expectations. The lyrics also touch on the son’s pain from failed relationships, adding depth to the story.
K’thiw’ Umama Uyakhala EkhayaThey say my mother is crying at home.
Uthi Mtanami Ng’cela UganweShe says, “My child, I’m asking you to get married.”
Ngamtshel’ Uthando LwamanjeI told her that love these days,
Selihlukile Manje L’gcwele UdlameIs different now and full of ’emotional violence’.
Wathi Ngiyaz’ Akukholula WemtanamiShe said, “I know it isn’t easy, my child.”
Kodwa Ng’cel’ Uzame“But I’m asking you to try.”
Nawe Uyabon’ Ukuthi Ilanga Liyak’shonela Manje“You can see that your sun’s setting now.”
Luth’ Iy’ngane“And so it is with having children.”
Kuyoze Kube Nini UbalekaHow long will you keep running?
Kuyoba Nini UbayekaWhen will you stop leaving them?
Amantombazane AyefanaAll these girls are the same,
Nalona Omusha Uyok’xakaEven this new one will confuse you.
Kuyoba Nini UbalekaWhen will you stop running?
Kuyoba Nini UbayekaWhen will you stop leaving them?
Yeka Uk’shela UyemsamuStop courting and go to the ‘msamu’ (ancestral altar).
Awazi Umfazi UyacelwaDon’t you know that a wife is requested from the ancestors?
Kuyoze Kube Nini UbalekaHow long will you keep running away?
Kuyoba Nini UbayekaWhen will you stop leaving them?
Amantombazane AyefanaAll these girls are just the same,
Nalona Omusha Uyok’xakaEven this new one will bewilder you.
Kuyoba Nini UbalekaWhen will you stop running?
Kuyoba Nini UbayekaWhen will you stop leaving them?
Yeka Uk’shela UyemsamuStop your courting and go to the ‘msamu’.
Awazi Umfazi UyacelwaDon’t you know that a wife is requested?
Mama Nami Ngiyafisa UkugcagcwelaMom, I also wish to have a traditional wedding.
Ng’fane Nezinye Insizwa NamiI want to be like other young men, too.
Nawe Mama Uy’qhenye NgamiAnd I want you to be proud of me, Mom.
Okwahlula Ubaba Ukubone NgamiLet the success that eluded my father be seen through me.
Sengilimale Kakhulu OthandweniI’ve been hurt so much by love.
Inhliziyo Yami Iyopha MaMy heart’s bleeding, Mom.
Yizo Zonke Lezo Izathu ZamiThose are all of my reasons.
Mama Uzongixolela Ngalenqumo ZamiMom, you’ll have to forgive me for these choices of mine.
Ngiyazi Bayakpiklela BathiI know they’re mocking you and saying,
Libi Kimi“It’s bad for me.”
Libi Kabi“It’s very bad.”
Wemfazi Ongazalanga“You’re a woman without grandchildren.”
Uyothi WabonaniWhat will you say you’ve seen?
Gabi GabiYou’ll be beaming with pride.
Gabi GabiYou’ll show off with pride.
Wemfazi OngazalangaYou’re a woman who hasn’t seen her grandchildren.
Uyothi WabonaniWhat will you say you’ve seen?
Mhla Ziw’shaya Emabaleni AkwamiOn the day they’re dancing in my courtyards.
K’thiw’ Umama Uyakhala EkhayaThey say my mother is crying at home.
Uthi Mtanami Ng’cela UganweShe says, “My child, please get married.”
Ngamtshel’ Uthando LwamanjeI told her that love these days,
Selihlukile Manje L’gcwele UdlameIs different now and full of ‘violence’.
Wathi Ngiyaz’ Akukholula WemtanamiShe said, “I know it isn’t easy, my child.”
Kodwa Ng’cel’ Uzame“But I’m asking you to try.”
Nawe Uyabon’ Ukuthi Ilanga Liyak’shonela Manje“You can see that the sun’s setting on you now.”
Luth’ Iy’ngane“The same goes for having children.”
Kuyoze Kube Nini UbalekaHow long will you keep running?
Kuyoba Nini UbayekaWhen will you stop leaving them?
Amantombazane AyefanaAll these girls are the same,
Nalona Omusha Uyok’xakaEven this new one will bewilder you.
Kuyoba Nini UbalekaWhen will you stop running?
Kuyoba Nini UbayekaWhen will you stop leaving them?
Yeka Uk’shela UyemsamuStop courting and go to the ‘msamu’.
Awazi Umfazi UyacelwaDon’t you know that a wife is requested?
Kuyoze Kube Nini UbalekaHow long will you keep running away?
Kuyoba Nini UbayekaWhen will you stop leaving them?
Amantombazane AyefanaAll these girls are just the same,
Nalona Omusha Uyok’xakaEven this new one will confuse you.
Kuyoba Nini UbalekaWhen will you stop running?
Kuyoba Nini UbayekaWhen will you stop leaving them?
Yeka Uk’shela UyemsamuStop your courting and go to the ‘msamu’ (sacred altar).
Awazi Umfazi UyacelwaDon’t you know that a wife is requested from the ancestors?
Grounding Music Video
The lyrics of ‘Grounding’ explore the tension between tradition and modern love. Sjava and Delayde create a heartfelt dialogue that resonates with anyone caught between family expectations and personal struggles.