Akashongo njalo okaNdaba (The King gave us no such order)

Akashongo njalo okaNdaba is an ancient Zulu ihubo.. All copyrights belong to Amantshontsho kaMaskandi Awards, founded by Mlamuli Nxele

This sacred ballad probably has nothing to do with the exact same cry "Uhlamvana Bhul'umlilo akashongo njalo okaNdaba) uttered by Mkhosana kaMvundlana Biyela who led the Ukhandampevu regiment against the invading British at Isandlwana on 22 January 1879, but I must say this beautifully-crafted ballad still evokes some emotions and its easy for one to link to that very battle.

The brief story goes like this: When the Zulus were shaky and pinned down on their bellies, and looking as though they were ready to surrender, Mkhosana kaMvundlana came out of no where and stood in front of the warriors like a colossus, oblivious to the bullets whizzing around him, he shouted "Isilo Uhlamvana Bhul'umlilo akashongo njalo", "The King -- the little branches of trees that put down the great fires gave us no such order." He had barely uttered those words, the British shot him right through the head and he died instantly.
But something remarkable happened! As the Great warrior fell, not a single warrior moved back an inch. Ashamed to remember the King's order and inspired by the bravery of the Ukhandampevu Commander, they all rallied forward and annihilated the British. Had Mkhosana kaMvundlana not intervened at the time that he did today we would be telling a different story.

Видео Akashongo njalo okaNdaba (The King gave us no such order) канала Beyond Zulu TV