Ibuyile iAfrica (“Africa is back” in the language of isiZulu) is a traditional hymn that was sung in apartheid times about the struggle to conquer that regime. Those events took so much from South Africa, but they also left us with so much hope. This hymn tells the youth: now is the time to define our voice, to cherish our own traditions and create the Africa we want for our children.

I came up with this wonderful arrangement as an ode to one of South Africa’s legends, Desmond Tutu. He and other icons like Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela fought for our freedom, and I stand on their shoulders. When I go to Europe, when I perform anywhere in the world, it’s because of their efforts that I’m allowed these experiences.

Abel Selaocoe ©2023