Awuleth’ Umshini Wami, better known as ‘Bring my machine gun, is a strange song to sing at your daughter’s graduation ceremony – not if you’re former president Jacob Zuma.
The ever-charismatic father, in celebration of his daughter’s graduation, broke into song and dance at the University of Zululand (Unizulu) on Thursday evening. One part controversial politician and one part superstar performer, Zuma excited the crowd in attendance which chanted in unison: “Awuleth’ Umshini Wami”.
Brumelda Zuma graduated with a bachelor’s degree in administration and, as Msholozi royalty, enjoyed the spoils and spotlight of her dancing dad. Unizulu spokesperson, Gcina Nhleko, along with other university officials, also got caught up in the moment and joined the celebrations.
Jacob Zuma, in his role as a doting family man, later took to Twitter to explain the joyous occasion and the spontaneous performance which transformed the graduation ceremony into a concert. Zuma said:
“Today was a special day. My daughter Brumelda graduated from the University of Zululand. I couldn’t help but join the choir in jubilation.”
Today was a special day. My daughter Brumelda graduated from the University of Zululand. I couldn’t help but join the choir in jubilation. pic.twitter.com/0Y4tYW7qTp
— Jacob G Zuma (@PresJGZuma) May 16, 2019
Awuleth’ Umshini Wami – Bring me my machine gun
Umshini Wami has become synonymous with Zuma and his tenure as president of both the African National Congress (ANC) and the country. The song, sang with fervour by Zuma during his term of office, was a show of defiance to his detractors – of which there were many.
Zuma’s tenure, embattled by corruption allegations and growing unease regarding state capture, came to an abrupt yet timely end. Throughout it all, Msholozi remained resolute and unapologetic, with Awuleth’ Umshini Wami exemplifying his rebelliousness.
Umshini Wami is a struggle song which is sung by former members of Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the armed wing of the ANC, which was particularly proactive in the fight against apartheid. Interestingly enough, the term “machine gun” does not exist within the battle ballad but is rather strongly eluded to.
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Source: thesouthafrican
