Stream Yalwa here: https://sndo.ffm.to/yee2no
Yalwa was written after Bongeziwe was commissioned to write a song for Shaka iLembe, which led him to spend time deeply immersed in the series. He was particularly moved by Shaka’s relationship with his mother and the role she played in shaping his destiny.
“That connection prompted me to reflect on my own mother, the many times she fought my battles and helped shape the man I have become.”
The chorus speaks to “the one we have been waiting for” — someone born to fulfil a legacy, while also carrying the weight and responsibility that legacy demands.
Yalwa explores both the honour and the burden of inheritance.
At its core, the song offers a message of hope, reminding those coming up of the value of their lives and the purpose they carry.
MUSIC CREDITS
Music Producer: Tiago Correia Paulo
Mixing Engineer: André Hough
Mastering Engineer: Rogan Kelsey
CREDITS
Co-Director:
Chris Saunders
Co-Director / Art Director / Stylist:
Chloe Andrea Welgemoed
Producer:
Sevi Spanoudi — Black Major
Production Coordinator:
Sonja Myburgh Ellis
Production Manager:
Aaron Peters
Director of Photography:
JP Whitfield
Focus Puller:
Mark Van Zyl
Lighting Crew:
Silver Bullet Lighting
Documentary Video / Photography:
Skyla Haley
Styling / Cultural Consultant:
Thandokazi Lulu Mbane
Stylist Assistants:
1st assistant: Jana-Marie De Jager
2nd assistant: Yeyethu Owethu Mihle Madasa
Editor:
Daniel Duval
Post-Production Studio:
Big Bad Filmworx
Post-Production Manager:
Tatum Hamilton
⸻
SPECIAL THANKS
Bongeziwe’s family — Khosi Mabandla & Eula Mdlankomo
Fixers:
Bongikosi Tolbard
Siyabulela Lumkwana
⸻
ADDITIONAL NOTES
Wardrobe:
A mix of Nao Serati and traditional Xhosa garments.
Shot on location at:
Kai River Mouth Estuary, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
LYRICS:
That’ indawo yakho aph’ ubizwe khona
Yiyo le mini leyo bekuthethwa ngayo
Wen’ uzalelwe ukukhulul’ ikhaya lethu
Esiyihambay’ indlel’ iyokhonjwa nguwe
Nguwe ebesimlindile
Nguwe ebesimlindile
Ladudum’ izulu lokubona wena
Unina wakho walwa akaz’ ayeke
Wakwenz’ inkosi ngezenzo zakhe
Soze akushiye
Wen’ ulithamsanqa lakhe
Nguwe ebesimlindile
Nguwe ebesimlindile
Nguwe ebesimlindile
Nguwe ebesimlindile
Nguwe hay’ ebesimlindile haaa
Nguwe ebesimlindile
Follow Bongeziwe Mabandla:
Facebook: / bongeziwemabandlaofficial
X: https://x.com/Bongeziwe
Instagram: / bongeziwemabandla
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bongeziwemaba…
Website: https://bongeziwe.com