Three Zulu songs, very commonly sung by members of the bridegroom’s family, welcoming the bride in teasing terms to her new home.
I
You have reached the place of weariness,
You have arrived and you will get weary!
You have left your father’s house,
You have deserted the hut of your mother.
II
You will need a rope to tether him!
I‑yo‑i tshi-tshi-tshi!
You will have to tie him up!
If you want to call him husband
You will have to tie him up!
III
Hey, young bride!
Yes?
Let’s go and draw water.
I’m not going, I’m ill.
Hey, young bride! You’re wanted in the bridal chamber!
Lazy little lump goes toddling off!
Little bandy-legs goes toddling off!
Hey, young bride!
Yes?
Let’s go and cultivate.
I’m not going, I’m ill.
Hey, young bride! You’re wanted in the bridal chamber!
Lazy little lump goes toddling off!
Little bandy-legs goes toddling off!
from Oral Poetry from Africa 1984
compiled by Jack Mapanje and Landeg White,
Longman
