“Ndenzel’ Uncedo” is a moving hymn sung by Esethu Siwe, featured on Joyous Celebration 25 – Still We Rise: Live At The Joburg Theatre. Sung in Zulu, the song is a plea for God to remain close as a Helper, especially in life’s challenging and changing moments.

Ndenzel’ Uncedo Lyrics Translated into English

Hlaha, oh hlala nami!
Abide, oh abide with me

Litshonil’ ilanga
The sun has set

Ubu-suku bufikile, Nkosi
The night is here, Lord

Mandi, mandingasali, ndingenay’ uMncedi
May I not be left alone without a Helper

Nd’yenzel’, Nd’yenzel’ uncedo ngokuhlala nam’
Be my Helper and abide with me

(Repeated)

Buya- buyakhawuleza, obo bomi bami
My life is quickly passing by

Ndiya, ndiya-siywa zezomhlaba izinto
Earthly things are leaving me

Ndibona iguquleko, iguquleko zodwa
All I see is change

Wen’ ongaguqukiyo hlala nami
You, the Unchanging God, abide with me

(Repeated)

Nd’yenzel’, nd’yenzel’ uncedo ngokuhlala nam’
Be my Helper and abide with me

(Repeated)

Key Words and English Meanings in Ndenzel’ Uncedo

• Hlaha – Abide
• Hlala nami – Abide with me
• Litshonil’ ilanga – The sun has set
• Ubu-suku – Night
• Nkosi – Lord
• Mandingasali – May I not be left
• uMncedi – Helper
• Buya – Come
• Iguquleko – Change
• Ongaguqukiyo – The Unchanging