ZuluMama

Hi Zulu Mama Family,

As promised here is an English version of this poem: https://youtu.be/WRQ_MiUEpmg?si=uHy4K...


“Where the Fire Still Burns”

When the sun folds itself behind the hills,
And the sky softens into amber and gold,
We gather.
Not because we are called by name,
But because the fire is calling us home.

It begins as a spark —
A whisper against dry wood,
A breath,
A patient tending of hands that have done this before.
Hands that learned from other hands.
Hands that remember.

And then —
It rises.

Flames stretch upward like dancers greeting the night,
Crackling secrets into the open air,
Sending warmth across waiting faces.
Young faces.
Old faces.
Faces lined with laughter and time.

The fire does not choose who to warm.
It opens its arms to everyone.

We move closer.

The cold retreats without argument,
Slipping quietly into the shadows
As warmth wraps itself around our shoulders
Like a familiar blanket passed down through generations.

Here, around this circle of light,
We are never strangers.
We are family.

The fire keeps us seated.
It slows our hurried feet.
It reminds us to stay.

Children lean forward,
Eyes wide, reflecting orange and gold.
Grandmothers clear their throats gently,
Preparing stories that have lived longer than any of us.
Grandfathers poke the embers,
As if stirring memory itself.

And the stories begin.

Stories of courage.
Stories of love.
Stories of mistakes that became wisdom.
Stories of ancestors whose names travel on the wind.

The flames listen.

They flicker higher at moments of triumph,
They soften when the tale grows tender.
They crackle with laughter when we do.

Around the fire, we do not scroll.
We do not rush.
We do not scatter.

We sit.

We listen.

We belong.

A pot settles gently over the glowing coals.
Steam rises, carrying promises.
Wood smoke dances into the night sky
Carrying the scent of home.

Hands begin their quiet work —
Stirring, seasoning, tasting.
A pinch of salt.
A handful of maize.
A careful turning of meat browning over flame.

The fire transforms simple ingredients
Into heartwarming meals.

It teaches us patience.
Food cannot be hurried over open flame.
It must be tended.
Watched.
Respected.

Just like family.

Just like tradition.

We eat together,
Passing bowls from hand to hand.
No one eats alone near the fire.
Plates are filled generously.
Laughter spills over like stew from a brimming pot.

The warmth reaches deeper than skin.
It settles in the chest.
In the spirit.

Around the fire, burdens feel lighter.
Worries shrink.
Even silence feels full —
Not empty, but peaceful.

The elders speak softly of keeping the family fire burning.
Not just the flames we see,
But the invisible flame.

The flame of unity.
The flame of respect.
The flame of culture.

Because when the fire dies,
If we are not careful,
The stories can die with it.

But we refuse.

We add another log.

We pass on the songs.
We pass on the recipes.
We pass on the language that tastes sweet on the tongue.
We pass on the customs that shape our identity.

A child watches carefully
How the wood is placed.
How the flames are fed.
How the elders speak with reverence.

That child is learning more than fire-making.
That child is learning belonging.

The fire keeps us warm, yes —
But it also keeps us close.

It teaches us that life is meant to be shared.
That light is stronger in a circle.
That joy grows brighter when reflected in another’s eyes.

Long after the meal is finished,
Long after the last story has been told,
The embers remain.

Glowing.
Steady.
Faithful.

And as we rise to rest,
We do not extinguish it carelessly.
We protect it.
We cover it gently,
Knowing that tomorrow,
It will rise again.

Just as we will.

Because as long as the fire burns,
We remember who we are.

As long as the fire burns,
We remain connected.

As long as the fire burns,
Our traditions breathe,
Our laughter echoes,
Our stories live.

And so we gather.
Again and again.
Generation after generation.

Not just to keep warm,
But to keep the family fire burning.

Forever

By Nomvelo MaMngoma Shezi (Zulu Mama)

3 months ago | [YT] | 16

ZuluMama

Life happened this week, and I didn’t get to record the next episode of Rooted.

But I’ve been thinking about somethings…

Got 2 questions for the Rooted family 🤍

1. What does “home” feel like to you right now?

Is it:
A place
A person
A memory
Or something you’re still searching for?

Let’s talk.

2. What season of life are you currently in?

🌱 Growing
🌾 Waiting
🌊 Healing
🔥 Starting over
🏡 Missing home

Tell me in the comments. I’m listening.

3 months ago | [YT] | 3

ZuluMama

🌿 Zulu Mama Family, I Need Your Voice! ✨

Sanibonani 👋🏾❤️

You are not just subscribers — you are part of this beautiful family. And today, I want to hear from YOU.

If you had to choose MORE of ONE thing, what would it be? 👇🏾

Type the number in the comments:

1️⃣ More isiZulu language lessons
2️⃣ More Zulu culture & traditions
3️⃣ More way of life & daily living
4️⃣ More traditional food & cooking
5️⃣ A mix of everything

And tell me WHY you chose it 👀✨

Also let me know:
What is working well for you on this channel?
What do you enjoy the most?
And what can I improve to make this space even better for you?

Your feedback helps this channel grow in the right direction. Your voice matters 🙏🏽

We are building something meaningful together 💛

Comment below and let me know 👇🏾✨

Ngiyabonga kakhulu for being part of the Zulu Mama family 🇿🇦👑

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3 months ago | [YT] | 9

ZuluMama

Sanibonani family 🤍

I’ve been quiet for a while, and I just wanted to say thank you for staying.
January is a time of reflection, renewal, and returning — and I’m grateful to return here with you.

Let’s continue learning, remembering, and growing together. 🌱

Side note: On the 9th of January I celebrated my birthday and also launched my book called Overalls to Aprons.

4 months ago | [YT] | 4

ZuluMama

To every subscriber — thank you. Truly. 🤍
This channel exists because you chose to stay, to listen, to learn, to grow with me.

Every view, every comment, every moment you spend here means more than numbers can ever express. You are part of this journey, part of this community, part of the story I am telling and living out loud.

From the very beginning to now, your support has carried me, encouraged me, and reminded me why I started. I don’t take it lightly — I am deeply grateful.

May this space continue to be one of inspiration, culture, healing, and truth. Thank you for believing, for subscribing, and for walking this path with me.

With love and gratitude,
ZuluMama

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5 months ago | [YT] | 11

ZuluMama

To everyone celebrating Christmas today,
may your homes be filled with warmth, gratitude, and togetherness.
Ukhisimusi omuhle kini nonke.
May love sit at your table. 🎄🤍

5 months ago | [YT] | 4

ZuluMama

Hi Zulu Mama family,

I am sorry for not uploading the past few days. However I have news, I have been writing a book and it’s now available on Amazon. In this book you will get a glimpse into Zulu Mama’ s life and understand where and why I have so much love for Zulu Language. I share about umhlonyane, umemulo, umembeso, umbondo, umgcagco and many more. I will share the link on my description on all the videos I will be uploading from now on.

Overalls to aprons book amazon link: a.co/d/hjwuObD

Thank you and I appreciate each and everyone of you for watching, subscribing, liking and sharing my videos

ZuluMama

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5 months ago | [YT] | 5

ZuluMama

Sanibonani and warm greetings to everyone joining this journey!
I’m ZuluMama, and I’m so excited to finally open this space where we can learn, share, laugh, and grow together.

This community is all about:
🌺 Zulu culture & traditions
📚 Language lessons
🍲 Traditional food stories
👧🏽🧒🏽 Kids’ Zulu education stories
💬 Meaningful conversations about identity, heritage, and everyday life

Here, no question is too small and no story is too simple — we are building a home of knowledge, respect, and connection.

Thank you for being here.
Thank you for supporting the channel.
And thank you for keeping our culture alive with me, one post at a time.

Ngiyacela, feel free to introduce yourself below!
Let’s build something beautiful, one heartbeat, one tradition, and one lesson at a time.

5 months ago | [YT] | 4

ZuluMama

Life gets busy — but I’m still here! ✨

1. What Zulu topic should I break down for you next? Drop your suggestions below!

2. Also would you love to hear stories about how I grew up in the rural areas to how I ended up in Saudi Arabia?

3. Today’s Zulu word: Isiko = Tradition
“Tradition reminds us where we come from, so we can walk boldly into where we’re going.”
- ZuluMama

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5 months ago | [YT] | 2

ZuluMama

The Zulu Kingdom is rich with timeless traditions — each one carrying deep meaning and connection to our ancestors.
From ceremonies that welcome new life, to celebrations of growth, love, and womanhood — Zulu culture reminds us who we are and where we come from. 💫

Let’s celebrate that together!
Which Zulu tradition do you think every young person should learn about — and why?

Here are a few to choose from 👇

1️⃣ Imbeleko – introducing a child to the ancestors 🐄
2️⃣ Umemulo – celebrating a young woman’s coming of age 💃🏽
3️⃣ Lobola – the sacred union and appreciation of families 💍
4️⃣ Umembeso – traditional gift-giving before marriage 🎁
5️⃣ Umhlonyane – marking the first step toward womanhood 🌸
6️⃣ Ukwelusa – teaching responsibility and care through tending cattle 🐄

Comment your choice and tell us why it matters to you ❤️
Let’s keep our culture alive, one conversation at a time.

6 months ago | [YT] | 6