“African Prayer for Peace”

Ukuthula is a traditional South African chant in the Zulu language, now widely performed in choirs around the world. Its central meaning is "peace," and it is often performed as a prayer or meditative invocation.

Ukuthula originates in the South African Christian tradition and is attributed to the composer Sipho Makhabane.

It has become famous thanks to numerous African and international choirs, including the Cape Town Youth Choir, which has performed it on tour and has made highly acclaimed recordings.

The chant repeats a series of key words, each accompanied by the refrain "igazi likaJesu linyenyez'..." ("the blood of Jesus brings..."). Each verse invokes a spiritual gift:

• Ukuthula — peace

• Usindiso — salvation

• Ukubonga — praise

• Ukukholwa — faith

• Ukunqoba — victory

• Induduzo — consolation

All these invocations are addressed "kulo mhlaba wezono," meaning "in this world of sin," as a plea for healing and reconciliation.

It has a simple, hypnotic melody that builds in intensity.

It is often performed a cappella, creating an atmosphere of meditation.

It carries a powerful message of universal peace that transcends religious context.

It has become a symbol of unity and healing in post-apartheid South African history.

Ukuthula 

Zulu lyrics

Ukuthula  kulo mhlaba wezono (Aleluya) igazi likaJesu linyenyez’ ukuthula

Usindiso kulo mhlaba wezono (Aleluya) igazi likaJesu linyenyez’ usindiso

Ukubonga kulo mhlaba wezono (Aleluya) igazi likaJesu linyenyez’ ukubonga

Ukukholwa kulo mhlaba wezono (Aleluya) igazi likaJesu linyenyez’ ukukholwa

Ukunqoba kulo mhlaba wezono (Aleluya) igazi likaJesu linyenyez’ ukunqoba

Induduzo kulo mhlaba wezono (Aleluya) igazi likaJesu linyenyez’ induduzo

Induduzo kulo mhlaba wezono (Aleluya) igazi likaJesu linyenyez’ induduzo

Pace in questo mondo di peccato (Alleluia) il sangue di Gesù porta la pace

Redenzione in questo mondo di peccato (Alleluia) il sangue di Gesù porta la redenzione

Lode (gratitudine) in questo mondo di peccato (Alleluia) il sangue di Gesù porta la lode (gratitudine)

Fede in questo mondo di peccato (Alleluia) il sangue di Gesù porta

Vittoria in questo mondo di peccato (Alleluia) il sangue di Gesù porta

Conforto in questo mondo di peccato (Alleluia) il sangue di Gesù porta