Shosholoza

Album: Biko single (1980)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Gabriel didn't release this song on an album; it appears on the B-side of the "Biko" single. The movie Dingaka gave him some ideas for the song "Biko."
  • "Shosholoza," also known as "Chocholoza" or "Shosholoza (Go In Peace)," is a traditional chant sung by South African Blacks when facing hardship; it means "go forward."

    Peter Gabriel heard it in the 1965 movie Dingaka in a version arranged by Basil Gray and Bertha Egnos. Originally just a chant, Gabriel added music. Gray and Egnos are credited as writers on his version.

Comments: 3

  • D from Warwickshire, EnglandThis song is actually from Rhodesia, present day Zimbabwe, it's a working song, sung by migrant workers on the gold mines in South Africa.

    It's a song sung by the mine labourers on the steam train going back to work in South Africa.
  • Lauren from Bensalem, Pai didn't know that Peter recorded this song on the b side of Biko. I didn't even know that was released as a single.
  • Danie from Centurion, South AfricaAlso became a hit here in South Africa with the Rugby World Cup in 1995 which we won :)
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Mike Campbell

Mike CampbellSongwriter Interviews

Mike is lead guitarist with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, and co-writer of classic songs like "Boys Of Summer," "Refugee" and "The Heart Of The Matter."

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Kerry Livgren of Kansas

Kerry Livgren of KansasSongwriter Interviews

In this talk from the '80s, the Kansas frontman talks turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind."

Charlie Benante of Anthrax

Charlie Benante of AnthraxSongwriter Interviews

The drummer for Anthrax is also a key songwriter. He explains how the group puts their songs together and tells the stories behind some of their classics.

Jonathan Edwards - "Sunshine"

Jonathan Edwards - "Sunshine"They're Playing My Song

"How much does it cost? I'll buy it?" Another songwriter told Jonathan to change these lyrics. Good thing he ignored this advice.

Ramones

RamonesFact or Fiction

A band so baffling, even their names were contrived. Check your score in the Ramones version of Fact or Fiction.