Miriam Makeba album cover (Source: Google)
In 1960 Miriam Makeba released a love song called Umhome. The song is not in English but when its heard, people go silent and listen. It is such a powerful song that you will make sure you receive whatever message is given through her words.
While growing up, Umhome has been one of the many Miriam Makeba songs that was always playing. It’s very calming and gives a specific image of peace and understanding in my mind. Without even knowing the language I understood. I knew exactly what she meant with each word, phrasing and even in the way she stressed certain syllables throughout the song. I am still unsure on what Umhome is about but the more I listen to it the more I connect with it.
The actual translation of Umhome talks about love. The lyrics are broad in the sense that anyone can make anything of them. They allow the mind to make up its own interpretation of the story told. There is so much art that can come from Umhome or the inspiration sparked by listening and knowing the song.
When hearing Umhome I feel and see so vividly. It is calming the ocean, the color blue, and the moon yet is vibrant and creamy like oranges, yellows and all shades of brown. Umhome is such a comfortable song. It warms me with memories of listening to it while playing with blocks as an Ashanti.
I have personally seen art that has come from Umhome. While at a show performed by the Alvin Ailey Dance Company at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts they performed a dance to the song. Of course, I was already invested but hearing those first few notes and seeing the artists in their craft had me on the edge of my seat. At that moment I received a message. To this day I’m not sure what that message was but it changed my bodily energy. Now every time when hearing Umhome I get that same awakening sense.
All this said, we are all so blessed to be able to connect with music. We are so blessed with the power to create such beautiful expressions with our bodies. Let your mind hear new and different sounds. Expand the music you listen to and don’t be close minded because so much creativity and growth can come by simply experiencing it and personally understanding music.
The Watoto Speak! 