THE KING GO NKULUKULU
I know there are a few modern words or lines but this is one of the basic songs that one sang, when delivering a King's body inkasi, through a corridor of incheezwas, who would form an Emphagathi, it's called - a corridor of warriors in 2 layers. One facing the corridor, if nobility and one with a long spear poking the water to ensure no crocodiles are near. Then, at the Imbewu or the gold disc, with Nkosi gaNkosi's face etched into it (Pondo) - which was later moved inkasi, there would another corridor of incheezwas on the one side, on their haunches doing the shaking of the hands, the way we do as children. When an Nkosi goes Nkulukulu, it's like your own beloved father or grandfather and your inkoti has died. By sitting on the haunches in salutations, an incheezwa is allowed to weep (but maybe, wiping their faces in a downward flathand motion). This was one Inkhathi concession, who had a strict code if conduct. Women would line the other side and would just fall over and weep. Women, in African society are responsible for any man from their Nkandla and any Nkosi whom they are inkasi with, they are responsible to provide tears for the one gone Nkulukulu, as the women's tears provide the spiritual Impi 1, which is the red, speckled Nguni shield called Emcini, which only takes a warrior to Nkulukulu if awoken by the tears of the women of his Nkandla. The tears of men give one stimela or an Ancestral voice that is heard by those in Kotla.
It's a beautiful song and I've always loved the song but not the sadness that is invoked, tho...