Hymn #526: Sihahamb’ ekukhanyen’ kwenkhos’ (We Are Marching in the Light of God)

This South African freedom song was a reminder that the Christian national government did not monopolize religious faith in the nation. The people’s “Amandla” (Zulu for “power”) came from the desire for rights and freedoms being expressed by the black majority of the nation.

South African racial strife gave birth to freedom songs for racial equality and justice. Singing naturally accompanied protest marches as large group of people voiced their commitment to a more just world in Christ’s name. The hymn is best sung without accompaniment.

This South African song is named SIYAHAMBA here for the first word of the text. The melody is in a march tempo, as it was frequently sung by large groups of demonstrators marching or walking to protest the actions of a government that denied them participation.

South African freedom music played a central role in the overthrow of a minority white government. The New Century Hymnal is the first major denominational hymnal to include this song. It is best learned as it was learned in South Africa, from a singer who teaches it to others.