TWO OCEAN – Imthandazo Yami

That small word yami, meaning mine, changes everything. A prayer in general is something people say in church or at home. My prayer is different. It belongs to one person, with their own worries, their own requests and their own way of speaking to God. It tells you before the music even starts that this is not meant to be a public performance. It is a private matter that has been opened up for everybody to listen to.

Think about what people actually pray for. Rarely is it only one thing. Healing for a parent, a job that finally comes through, protection for a child travelling far away, peace in a house that has been noisy for too long. A title like this carries all of that without naming any of it, which is a clever way to let different listeners bring different stories.

The song sits on the Kuyoba Umlando album, and spiritual songs have always had a special place in southern African music. They are played at funerals, at weddings, at Sunday gatherings and on lonely drives home.

If you have ever held a request inside for months, you will see why a record like this can feel less like entertainment and more like company.

Download MP3