Many reeds, strong reeds
And the strong hands to bind them
The woman of Africa
Knew just where to find them

The sun said dry them
The river said wind them
The rope we could hold
Who came along behind

Sikelele I´Africa O sikelele (lama)
I´Africa
Ikosi sikelele Africa
Sikelele sikelele Africa

Many moons, many suns
And days had their passing
The people of Africa looked
And they were working
On the rocks on the mountains
The mines that lay before
Drums for the first man

Sikelele I´Africa O sikelele (lama)
I´Africa
Ikosi sikelele Africa
Sikelele sikelele Africa