Lyrics

[INTRO CHANT – Vocal Harmony in Layers, softly chanted like a call to celebration]
Nelly… Ungapheli moya wami (You never lose your spirit)
Happy birthday mama wam’ (my mother),
You rise like morning sun…

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[VERSE 1 – Sung smooth with pride and gentle bounce]
Sorry it’s late, but you know love never clocks,
You’ve been the rock, through life’s hardest knocks.
Your hands held babies and your words healed pain,
You danced through storms, stood tall in the rain.

Usuyinqaba, usuyindlovukazi (You are a fortress, you are a queen)
Nomfundo said: “She never let go,”
Even when life said, “Fall,” you rose.
You say “Ngiyaxolisa” (I’m sorry) when you wrong,
But don’t get it twisted—you savage, you strong.

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[CHORUS – Upbeat, clap-filled, danceable with Zulu chant undertones]
Nelly, oh Nelly, ungapheli moya wami,
(You never lose your spirit)
You move like the river, you stand like a tree.
Siyakuthanda, happy birthday, ntokazi,
(We love you, happy birthday, lady)
From your strength to your fire, you dance so free.

Nomfundo’s proud—she see your fight,
You glow like candles in midnight light.
You don’t give up, you never say die,
And even late—we still raise you high.

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[VERSE 2 – With rhythm and groove, highlighting her power]
You taught us love ain’t just soft and sweet,
Sometimes it shows in standing on your feet.
You built a world with your own bare hands,
Auntie, mama, warrior—making bold plans.

Buhle bakho abupheli (Your beauty never fades),
Inhlonipho yakho iyakhanya (Your respect shines bright).
From cooking pots to business dreams,
You run the show—you queen the scene.

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[CHORUS – Repeat with extra groove and energy]
Nelly, oh Nelly, ungapheli moya wami,
Your spirit’s strong like Jozi’s gold,
Uhlale uphakeme, uhlale umuhle,
(You stay elevated, you stay beautiful)
You break the mold, you brave and bold.

Nomfundo says: “I see you rise,”
Even with tears tucked behind your eyes.
You don’t just live, you thrive and glow,
So this song’s your bouquet—just so you know.

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[BRIDGE – Stripped down, spiritual harmony with soft marimba melody]
Even late, this wish is true…
Sengiyavuma, I celebrate you.
(To confess and agree – I celebrate you)
You taught us grace, strength, and fire,
You’re a full moon, lifting us higher.

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[OUTRO – Chant with claps, group harmony fading out with joy]
Nelly… Nelly… uNkulunkulu makubusise…
(God bless you…)
Ungapheli moya wami…
Happy birthday… this dance is yours… forevermore…