Dela (song)

Last updated
"Dela"
Song by Savuka
from the album Cruel, Crazy, Beautiful World
Language Zulu, English.
Released1989
Length4:15
Label Capitol
Songwriter(s) Johnny Clegg [1]

"Dela" is the fourth song from the 1989 album Cruel, Crazy, Beautiful World by South African band Savuka. [2] It is a "straightforward love song", featuring Johnny Clegg singing of waiting for his love, and of being content in their presence. [3] An uptempo song with lyrics in both English and Zulu, it was played commonly at wedding receptions. [4] Discussing the song in an interview with National Public Radio, Clegg stated: "It's about wholeness. Dela in Zulu means - to dela means to be complete and satisfied." [5] Clegg often ended concerts with Dela. It was used in the 1997 movie George of the Jungle , and has been described as Clegg's best-known song among western audiences. [6] [7]

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References

  1. "Dela". AllMusic. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
  2. "Cruel, Crazy, Beautiful World". AllMusic. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
  3. Smokler, Kevin (7 July 2017). "10 Essential Johnny Clegg Songs". Paste Magazine. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
  4. Samanga, Rufaro. "Listen to 10 Great Songs From Johnny Clegg". Okay Africa. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
  5. "South African Musician Johnny Clegg On Touring The American South". National Public Radio. 9 April 2016. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
  6. Lewis, Randy (16 August 2017). "South Africa's Johnny Clegg, with cancer in remission, to embark the Final Journey U.S. tour". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
  7. Lewis, Randy (13 October 2017). "South Africa's Johnny Clegg returns to U.S. for 'The Final Journey' tour". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 19 March 2022.