Qongqothwane (The Click Song)

Qongqothwane (The Click Song) is a traditional South African song which is sung by the Xhosa people, an ethnic group who settled in South Africa and all Southern Africa. It is not clear its origin or author as it has been orally transmitted through generations. It is usually sung at weddings to bring good luck because the lyrics talk about a knock-knock beetle that passes by and metaphorically shows the way to a better future. These beetles are considered symbols of good luck.

It is also called "The Click Song" due to the clicks that the Xhosa language has, three different types of sounds represented with the letters C, X, and Q in combination with vowels. These clicks can be found in other African languages but nowhere outside Africa.

The song became really famous when Miriam Makeba (South Africa, 1932-2008) started singing it in the 1950s with the group The Manhattan Brothers. Makeba received the nickname "Mama Africa" and she showed great concern for civil rights and was an outstanding figure against apartheid throughout her life.

Here you have got the sound file.

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