waka waka — what’s that
Vuvuzela
This type of plastic horn or trumpet has been used in Mexican stadiums since the 1970s. Originally made out of tin, the vuvuzela became popular in South Africa in the 1990s. Well-known Kaizer Chiefs FC fan Freddie “Saddam” Maake claims to have invented the vuvuzela by adapting an aluminium version as early as 1965 from a bicycle horn after removing the black rubber to blow with his mouth.
Vuvuzelas have been said to be based on kudu horn instruments and thus rooted in African history, but this is disputed. During the last quarter of a match, supporters blow vuvuzelas frantically in an attempt to “kill off” their opponents.
Makarapa
A makarapa is a hand-cut and hand painted hard hat worn by sports fans. They belong to the typical South African football fan’s supporters gear, and are increasingly popular with fans of other sports. Sport fans spend hours to sculpture and paint their Makarapa in the colours and emblem of their clubs or country.
Waka Waka – Its Time for Africa
“Tsamina” or “Zangaléwa” is a 1986 hit song, originally sung by a makossa group from Cameroon called Golden Sounds who were beloved throughout the continent for their silly dances and costumes. The song was such a hit for Golden Sounds that they eventually changed their name to Zangaléwa, too. The song pays tribute to African skirmishers (a.k.a tirailleurs) during WW II. Most of the band members were in the Cameroonian Army themselves and used make up, fake belly and fake butt for comic relief. The song is still used today almost everywhere in Africa by soldiers, policemen, boy scouts, sportsmen and their supporters, usually during training or for rallying.
They sang the song together for freedom in Africa.
The lyrics of Waka Waka are in the Cameroonian language called Fang.
Below is a translation of some from Fang to English.
WAKA WAKA TRANSLATION
Fang English
Waka waka Do the job
Tsamina mina zangalewa Where do you come from?
Waka It is mine
Zambo Wait
Tsamina mina Come
What is ‘Ayoba’?
Ayoba is a South African phrase that came from an evolution of other expressions, for instance
“Ayeye” or “Ayoyoyo.” It was originally meant as an approval/appreciation of good dancing.
But - as with many other slang terms - the exact origins of the phrase are unknown.
It is thought to have roots in Johannesburg township culture.
It is uniquely South African and expresses delight, excitement, agreement, approval.
Mzansi
Mzansi - this term is widely used by urban South African youth. It comes from umzantsi, which is Xhosa for “south”
and is fast becoming the term used broadly as South Africa.
June 17th, 2010 7:35 am
thx this was nice to know
louis’s last blog post..JEWS AND MUSLIMS.