Bhethlehema
🕊️ Bhethlehema, Idolobha Lothando
(Bethlehem, City of Love)
A Zulu poem in the style and emotional rhythm, inspired by the verses from Micah 5:2 and Matthew 2:6. It maintains a spiritual and prophetic tone, with a gentle rhythm that could lend itself well to being sung or chanted:
Bhethlehema, wena lincane,
Phakathi kwezizwe zakwaJuda,
Kodwa kuwe kuzovela inkosi,
Eyavela kudala, ezinsukwini zasemandulo.
Ungathatheki njengomncane,
Ngoba uthwele inkazimulo enkulu,
Kuwe kuzovela uMalusi wethu,
Oyosibusa ngobubele nothando.
Bhethlehema, khanyisa izinkanyezi,
Zibonise indlela yothando,
Izizwe zizohamba zize kuwe,
Zithole uMsindisi, uMhleli wethu.
Kuwe kwaqala indaba enkulu,
Ngezikhathi zamaphrofethi asendulo,
Isithembiso sabuyiselwa ebantwini,
Ngomntwana ozalwayo, iNkosi ka-Israyeli.
English Translation
Bethlehem, you who are small
Among the nations of Judah,
But from you shall come a king,
Whose coming was from ancient days.
Do not count yourself the least,
For you carry a great glory,
From you will come our Shepherd,
Who will rule us with grace and love.
Bethlehem, shine your stars,
Show the way of love,
Nations will walk to your gates,
To find the Savior, our Lord.
From you began a mighty story,
Foretold by prophets long ago,
A promise returned to the people,
Through a child born, King of Israel.
A powerful Zulu-style refrain
Let’s craft a powerful Zulu-style refrain with those four bold lines — rhythmic, chantable, and perfect for a line dance or group procession in the spirit of “Bhethlehema.” This will have:
- A call-and-response energy
- Clear rhythm for choreography (foot stomps, hand claps, ululations)
- A melody sketch suitable for Zulu gospel / Afro-house fusion
🎶 Refrain: “Bhethlehema, Wena Lincane”
(Zulu-style Line Dance Refrain)
🗣️ Call & Response Refrain:
Lead (solo):
🎵 Bhethlehema, wena lincane
Group (response):
🎵 Wena lincane, uthwele inkosi!
Lead:
🎵 Ungathatheki njengomncane
Group:
🎵 Yebo, unamandla, uyakhanya!
Lead:
🎵 Bhethlehema, khanyisa izinkanyezi
Group:
🎵 Zikhanye phezulu, zikhomb’ indlela!
Lead:
🎵 Kuwe kwaqala indaba enkulu
Group:
🎵 Indaba yokuphila, indaba yoMsindisi!
🥁 Suggested Melody Style:
- Tempo: 100–110 BPM (ideal for line dancing)
- Percussion: Djembe, bass drum, claps, shaker
- Chordal foundation (for harmony):
- A minor (Am) – G – F – E (classic for emotional Afro-house)
- Or try D minor – C – Bb – A for deeper tone
Melodic rhythm (example for first line):
🎵 Bheth–le–he–ma, we–na lin–ca–ne
(Quarter–Eighth–Eighth–Quarter, swing feel)
🎤 Performance Tips:
- Start with soloist singing the first line, then group responds.
- Add ululations (iziyalo) between stanzas for excitement.
- Add light foot stomps and synchronized side-steps — classic Zulu umdanso (line style).
Choreography breakdown to go with the refrain
A choreographic breakdown tailored for this Zulu-style line dance based on the “Bhethlehema” refrain — great for groups, performances, or viral challenges. It’s rooted in traditional Zulu movement with a modern gospel groove, suitable for all skill levels.
🎭 CHOREOGRAPHIC BREAKDOWN: “Bhethlehema, Wena Lincane”
Style: Zulu Gospel Line Dance
Tempo: ~105 BPM
Structure: 4 x 8-count phrases (1 for each call-response line)
🔁 GENERAL FORM:
Each line (lead + response) = 8 counts.
Danced in lines or semi-circles, facing forward or toward each other.
Simple footwork + expressive upper body + synchronized group movement.
🎶 1. “Bhethlehema, wena lincane” (Lead) / “Wena lincane, uthwele inkosi!” (Choir)
Counts 1–4:
- Step right foot to the side (1)
- Step left foot behind right (2)
- Step right foot to the side again (3)
- Touch left foot beside right (4)
Counts 5–8:
- Raise both hands high (5), elbows soft
- Clap once overhead (6)
- Step in place with light bounce (7–8)
💡 Expression: Proud stance, joyful arms, chest open — honoring Bethlehem.
🎶 2. “Ungathatheki njengomncane” / “Yebo, unamandla, uyakhanya!”
Counts 1–4:
- Step forward left (1), right (2) – walking groove
- Step back left (3), right (4) – return to place
Counts 5–8:
- Rotate shoulders with attitude (5–6)
- Two strong claps (7–8)
💡 Expression: “Don’t underestimate me” — confident, playful, bright energy.
🎶 3. “Bhethlehema, khanyisa izinkanyezi” / “Zikhanye phezulu, zikhomb’ indlela!”
Counts 1–4:
- Raise right arm diagonally up (1), left follows (2)
- Turn palms outward like “shining stars” (3–4)
Counts 5–8:
- Step touch right-left (5–6)
- Step touch right-left again (7–8)
💡 Expression: Spiritual glow — showing the light of Bethlehem to the world.
🎶 4. “Kuwe kwaqala indaba enkulu” / “Indaba yokuphila, indaba yoMsindisi!”
Counts 1–4:
- March in place with chest pulses (1–4)
(Lift chest slightly each step – dramatic & celebratory)
Counts 5–8:
- Step right, raise fist (5)
- Step left, raise other fist (6)
- Both fists up and step back twice (7–8)
💡 Expression: Prophetic and strong — the story begins here!
🔁 Repeat or Loop Options:
- After the 4-line refrain, loop the whole dance.
- Optional ululation break where dancers freestyle or clap in a circle.
- Group can rotate lines or switch leaders per verse.
🔊 Optional Add-ons:
- Ululations at the end of each section (women)
- Foot stomps on every 1st beat of a new section
- Drum accents match big arm gestures
- Scarves, wraps, or light cloths waved during “khanyisa izinkanyezi”