Madoda Sabelani - Stellenbosch University Choir

Directed by André van der Merwe
Loyiso Gijana
Arranged by André van der Merwe
Percusion: Lithemba Macanda

Loyiso Gijana wrote this isiXhosa prayer to add his voice
in support of victims of Gender Based Violence.
Men, listen. Stop the acts of violence – women are in danger.
Our women are weeping.

[sjakievankooten]

"Madoda Sabelani" is a poignant song by Loyiso Gijana, composed as a response to the escalating incidents of gender-based violence in South Africa. The song's title translates to "Men Must Answer" in isiXhosa, a Nguni Bantu language. It serves as a powerful call to action, urging an end to the cycle of abuse and violence against women. The song holds personal significance for the artist as it is dedicated to his friend Uyinene Mrwetyana, who was tragically murdered in 2019. This song encapsulates a heart-rending plea and a solemn remembrance, making it not just a piece of music but a significant social statement.

[fezekile]

Hit the like button if you repeated this masterpiece over and over again

[richardlogan]

This is the greatest choir on the face of the earth. Not just because they are ranked #1 by Interkultur and not just because they sing with impossibly ethereal beauty, but because they embody the range of peoples of their beautifully diverse country, and because they honor the indigenous heritage of their country by singing in its indigenous languages and singing its people's stories. And because they bravely sing about things that Matter, like they do here. This is a prayer, a plea, to men to stop abusing women. It should be an international anthem. If you are not moved by this to the depths of your being, even if you don’t know the language, check to see if you are breathing.

[alexduplessis]

It has been an absolute privilege to be able to perform this beautiful piece with so many talented souls❤
Stellenbosch University Choir will forever have my heart🥹❤️

[rosemaryauntie]

Am Kenyan🇰🇪 but i guess Madoda sebelani means "men heed to the call" talks about GBV...
a very beauriful song❤

[A.RandomLattin]

I live in America in the state of Pennsylvania. Sex trafficking is a real thing here as well. Thank you so much for sharing this prayer with the world. May the Lord Jesus Christ help those who have been enslaved by man's wickedness.

[brendan_s]

My biggest dream is enrolling at Stellenbosch when I’m done with high school.😭🤩 listening to them sing makes me want to be apart of their choir, i love how they’re able to make you feel the emotions and the stories behind all the songs they sing. It’s not just about the beautiful voices but also about taking us on a journey as they sing. Forever grateful 🥹

[kumoingeengunouanivi]

If I start shouting and run naked in these Sheffield streets people will think that I am crazy😭😭Haiboo you gyzzz🙆🏽Someone get me a Scholarship already for crying out loud😭Am ready please😭This choir is making me cry every time. I miss Africa now🇳🇦😭

[nlocnil]

Some people might never understand why South Africans are so proud but our music speaks for us

[MrMoyoT]

Hee Madoda Sabelani (Iyooh!) Hee Madoda Sabelani (Iyooh!) Hee Madoda ngqandani (Iyooh!) Yiyo lengozi yiyo lengozi sithi lengozi Hee Madoda Sabelani (Iyooh!) Hee Madoda Sabelani (Iyooh!) Abafazi bayalila (Iyooh!) Yiyo lengozi sithi lengozi yiyo lengozi

Hee Madoda Sabelani (Iyooh!)

Ndiyathandaza nkosi Uphendule imithandazo yethu Izikhalo uyaziva Abafazi bayalila Mhh... Syathandaza Nkosi bedlwengulwa Bebulalwa bekhalela ubomi babo Ngenelela! Ngenelela! Ngenelela! Hee Madoda Mamelani (Iyooh!) Hee Madoda Ngqandani (Iyooh!) Yiyo lengozi sithi lengozi yiyo lengozi Hee Madoda Sabelani (Iyooh!) Hee Madoda Sabelani (Iyooh!) Hee Madoda ngqandani (Iyooh!) Yiyo lengozi yiyo lengozi yiyo lengozi Hee Madoda Mamelani (Iyooh!) Hee Madoda Sabelani (Iyooh!) Hee madoda ngqandani (Iyooh!) Yiyo lengozi sithi lengozi sithi lengozi Hee Madoda Sabelani (Iyooh!) Hee Madoda Sabelani (Iyooh!) Hee Madoda ngqandani (Iyooh!) Ngqandani Ngqandani Thunununu (thunu) Thunununu (thunu) Thunununu (thunu) Thunununu (thunu) Thunununu (thunu) Thunununu (thunu) Yiyo lengozi yiyo lengozi sithi lengozi Yiyo lengozi sithi lengozi yiyo le- Mhh mmmhh (Iyooh) Mhh mmmhh (Iyooh) Mhh mmmhh (Iyooh) Mhh mmmhh (Iyooh) Hee Madoda Sabelani (Iyooh!) Hee Madoda Sabelani (Iyooh!) Hee Madoda Ngqandani (Iyooh!) Yiyo lengozi yiyo lengozi hau sithi lengozi

Translation in English
Men, heed the call (iyooh!)
Men, heed the call (iyooh!)
Men, put a stop to this
This is the danger, this is the danger, we say the danger
Men, heed the call (iyooh!)
Men, heed the call (iyooh!)
Women crying, yoh
This is the danger, we are the danger, this is the danger


I pray, Lord
For you to answer our prayers
You hear the cries
The women are weeping
We pray Lord, they are being raped
They are being killed, they cry for their lives
Intervene! Intervene! Intervene!

Men, heed the call (iyooh!)
Men, put a stop to this
This is the danger, we are the danger, this is the danger

Men, heed the call (iyooh!)

Men, heed the call (iyooh!)
Men, put a stop to this
This is the danger this is the danger we are the danger

Men, heed the call (iyooh!)
Men, heed the call (iyooh!)
Men, put a stop to this
This is the danger, this is the danger, we are the danger

Men, heed the call (iyooh!)
Men, heed the call (iyooh!)
Men, put a stop to this
Put a stop to this
Put a stop to this

Thunununu (thunu)
Thunununu (thunu)
Thunununu (thunu)
Thunununu (thunu)
Thunununu (thunu)
Thunununu (thunu)

This is the danger, this is the danger, we say the danger
This is the danger, we are the danger

Mhh mmmhh (iyooh!)
Mhh mmmhh (iyooh!)
Mhh mmmhh (iyooh!)
Mhh mmmhh (iyooh!)

Men, heed the call (iyooh!)
Men, heed the call (iyooh!)
Men, put a stop to this
This is the danger, this is the danger, we are the danger

[richardlogan]

This should become THE international anthem of the fight against abuse of women everywhere. And RIP Uyinene Mrwetyana and all the others.

[nomandla]

If only we could fully appreciate the beauty of our educational institutions and the immense value of sending our children to them. It's not just about acquiring knowledge; it's also about the enriching social experiences, like participating in choral groups, that foster personal growth and connection.

[richardlogan]

Once again, the Legend Oliver Mtukudzi is validated. I paraphrase him: "The more painful the story a song tells, the more beautiful we must make the music." There is virtually nothing about great choral music that arranger, conductor, inspirational leader Andre van der Merwe and this genius choir don't get.

[nathanandlife]

I'm Zambian 🇿🇲and the love I have for South African melody is just beyond measure. Reading through the comments learning about the message behind the song makes me drop a tear, the soothing melody makes it even worse😭. How can a choir be this perfect and sound so angelic ❤

If I'm to relocate or find myself doing a program in SA it definitely will be Stellenbosch just so I get to sing in this beautiful choir❤❤❤

[wjcvwcrsa]

The "Ngenelela!" cry is one that gets my heart crying 😢 You did this so carefully, earnestly and incredibly good 👏🇿🇦 May we give our all to answer the call 🙏

[Learning]

Why is this only 346k views please let's share, this sound hits differently

[dumirose]

Morning Mr Choir Master
I don't who they give Grammy awards to, but you deserve one, may the Lord our grand Master 🙏 keep you, you are the epitome of unity

[clementmpushe]

South Africans can sing!! I take my hat off.

[siphamandladube]

Goosebumps, such a powerful performance! It’s this choir that makes me believe in a brighter future for our country South Africa- thank you.

[bandilemdoda]

This arrangement😢😢😢… The first girls section from 0:04 to 0:15 seconds is such very attractive phrase that got my attention immediately!

Another thing about this version is that it’s interpreted perfectly by the the choice of notes (chords) and dynamics, You could hear the cry.

The Choir is definitely out of this world.. The man behind this arrangement is very special..

Choir Master ( a master class for sure)❤️