Malayisha

"Malayisha" is a fun, bouncy South African tune sung in Xhosa, I believe. I cannot tell if it's a traditional song or not, but Miriam Makeba as well as The Manhattan Brothers, a group she performed with, have recorded versions of the song in what may be the mbaqanga style or marabi style. Anywho, if it is a folk song, then it appears to be a work song about a lumberjack. Enjoy!

Miriam Makeba's version is my favorite. Her voice soars above and beyond the chorus in that irresistible style and beautiful lyrics.

The Manhattan Brothers try, but fall far behind Miriam Makeba. Their version is more rooted in kwela and marabi, probably because it was recorded in the 1950s. Catchy, though not nearly as powerful, in terms of vocals, than that of Mama Africa.

Ginette Ravel does a nice cover based on Makeba's that's not unbearable. Here is a European version that ain't too bad, either.

A South African choir sings "Malayisha" here and it's also quite infectious. Unfortunately, it begins with a Zulu song that isn't nearly quite as playful or upbeat.