Umdumazi sings a soulful ballad on the album Uyinja. Lyricist Mdumazi Mhlongo writes the heartfelt plea.
Released: June 13, 2025
Ubambo lwami (feat. Mjolisi)
Umdumazi • From “Uyinja”
Ubambo lwami (feat. Mjolisi) Lyrics Translation (from “Uyinja”)
Umdumazi asks the lover not to forget him as she heads to Johannesburg. He says the city takes many and never returns.
Bheka Mina NgedwaLook only at me.
Ngob’ Uwena Olithemba LamiBecause you’re my only hope.
Bengicela Ungadidwa Ubuhle BomhlabaI’m asking you not to be distracted by the beauty of the world.
Bheka Mina NgedwaLook only at me.
Ngob’ Uwena Olithemba LamiBecause you’re my only hope.
Bengicela Ungadidwa Ubuhle BomhlabaI’m asking you not to be distracted by the beauty of the world.
Bheka Mina NgedwaLook only at me.
Ngob’ Uwena Olithemba LamiBecause you’re my only hope.
Bengicela Ungadidwa Ubuhle BomhlabaI’m asking you not to be distracted by the beauty of the world.
Awu Igoli Ma Ngob’ IgoliOh, Johannesburg, because it’s ‘Johannesburg’.
Ngiyalisab’ Igoli Lapho Uya KhonaI’m afraid of ‘Johannesburg’ where you’re going.
Bahamba Bengabuyi Bonke Abaya KuleyandawoEveryone who goes to that place leaves and never returns.
Awu Igoli Ma Ngob’ IgoliOh, Johannesburg, because it’s ‘Johannesburg’.
Ngiyalisab’ Igoli Lapho Uya KhonaI’m afraid of ‘Johannesburg’ where you’re going.
Bahamba Bengabuyi Bonke Abaya KuleyandawoEveryone who goes to that place leaves and never returns.
Uz’ungikhumbulePlease, make sure you remember me.
Noma Ufika Bekhuluma Ngo Mara EntlekEven when you arrive and they speak of ‘the city’s empty talk’.
Ungangilibali Ung’khumbule Ngiyak’thanda MaDon’t forget me; remember me, I love you, darling.
Uz’ungikhumbulePlease, make sure you remember me.
Noma Ufika Bekhuluma Ngo Mara EntlekEven when you arrive and they speak of ‘the city’s empty talk’.
Ungangilibali Ung’khumbule Ngiyak’thanda MaDon’t forget me; remember me, I love you, darling.
Awu Igoli Ma Ngob’ IgoliOh, Johannesburg, because it’s ‘Johannesburg’.
Ngiyalisab’ Igoli Lapho Uya KhonaI’m afraid of ‘Johannesburg’ where you’re going.
Bahamba Bengabuyi Bonke Abaya KuleyandawoEveryone who goes to that place leaves and never returns.
Ngoba Lomuntu UngowamiBecause this person belongs to me.
Ngizohlala NayeI’ll stay with her.
Nomakukuhle NomakumnyamaWhether things are good or dark.
Ngithembela KuyeI rely on her.
Uyis’thandwa SamiShe’s my beloved.
Ngoba Lomuntu UngowamiBecause this person belongs to me.
Ngizohlala NayeI’ll stay with her.
Nomakukuhle NomakumnyamaThrough the bright days and the shadows.
Ngithembela KuyeI rely on her.
Uyis’thandwa SamiShe’s my beloved.
Njengoba Ngihambile NgisemazweniSince I’ve traveled and I’m in far-off lands,
Cela Wazi Ngiyakuthanda Ngane YabantuPlease know that I love you, darling.
Ongibuzela Kubaba Wakho Ulotsholwa NgezingakiAsk your father for me, how much is the ‘bridewealth’ (‘lobola’).
Njengoba Ngihambile NgisemazweniSince I’ve traveled and I’m in far-off lands,
Cela Wazi Ngiyakuthanda Ngane YabantuPlease know that I love you, darling.
Ongibuzela Komalume Wakho Ulotsholelwa NgezingakiAsk your uncles for me, how much is the ‘bridewealth’ (‘lobola’).
Bayale UngenzeniTell them what you’ve done.
AngisathembiI don’t trust anymore.
Ungihambela EmaweniYou’re leading me to a cliff’s edge.
Ngiyak’ Thanda DaliI love you, darling.
Bayale UngenzeniTell them what you’ve done.
Ungihambela Emaweni Yini NaWhy are you leading me to a cliff’s edge?
AngisathembiI don’t trust anymore.
Yazi Ngiyakuthanda DaliYou know I love you, darling.
Bebabaningi Befika Empilweni YamiMany people have come into my life.
Noma Ngikude Ngiyakukhumbula Ngane YabantuEven though I’m far away, I remember you, darling.
Kuloluthando NgithunjiweI’m a captive in this love.
Ngiyak’thanda DaliI love you, darling.
Bebabaningi Befika Empilweni YamiMany people have come into my life.
Noma Ngikude Ngiyakukhumbula Ngane YabantuEven though I’m far away, I remember you, darling.
Othandweni Lakho NgidlisiweI’m under your spell in this love.
Ngiyak’thanda DaliI love you, darling.
Nguwena Othandwa Yimi We DaliYou’re the one I love, my darling.
Dali Nguwe Ubambo LwamiDarling, you’re my ‘soulmate’ (‘my rib’).
Nguwena Othandweni Lami (Othandwa Yimi)You’re the one in my heart (the one I love).
Nguwena Othandweni Lami (Othandwa Yimi)You’re the one in my heart (the one I love).
Nguwena Othandweni Lami (Othandwa Yimi)You’re the one in my heart (the one I love).
Nguwena Othandweni LamiYou’re the one in my heart.
Ubambo lwami (feat. Mjolisi) Music Video
Ubambo lwami (feat. Mjolisi) lyrics meaning offers a clear view of longing and fear. The song describes how distance tests love.