Hamba kakuhle umhlobo wam

My manager and friend, the indomitable Martin Drake, left this world on 19 March 2010, and left a gaping hole in the lives of his family, friends and the artists (2 of us) he had been championing.
I was grateful to have spoken to him earlier that Friday. And after I got the call from his wife on Friday night, I sat in silence for a long time. Out of the silence came a simple melody, and this song.
I hope to pay tribute to Martin this Sunday when I sing this at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Just hope to be able to keep myself together a little better than I did when I sang it at his memorial service. Crying and singing do not work at the same time. Well no matter, I will be crying-singing it for you Mart.

Requiem
Lala umhlobo wam
ngoxolo 'mhlobo wam.
Lala ngoxolo 'mhlobo wam
In the madness of this frenzied world.
Where the preying vultures circle and wait.
When it seems I sing my songs a-lone,
And I think I've lost my faith.
It comes softly through the passing days
That I'll never walk my path alone.
There is one more guardian at my side to stand me by.
Lala umhlobo wam
ngoxolo 'mhlobo wam.
Lala ngoxolo 'mhlobo wam
And I cannot find the words this night
That could sketch a life lived so very large.
How do you tell in simple words?
Of the brightness of one star.
As I sit in silence and reflect,
It is clear to me that I've been blessed.
I've been championed by the very best,
He stood me by
And so this thought I hold to my heart:
Embrace each precious day.
And live in colour don't be afraid
To give your love with open hands.
Ndicula
Lala umhlobo wam
ngoxolo 'mhlobo wam.
Lala ngoxolo 'mhlobo wam