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

Gary Louris of The Jayhawks

Gary Louris of The JayhawksSongwriter Interviews

The Jayhawks' song "Big Star" has special meaning to Gary, who explains how longevity and inspiration have trumped adulation.

Charlotte Caffey of The Go-Go's

Charlotte Caffey of The Go-Go'sSongwriter Interviews

Charlotte was established in the LA punk scene when a freaky girl named Belinda approached her wearing a garbage bag.

Howard Jones

Howard JonesSongwriter Interviews

Howard explains his positive songwriting method and how uplifting songs can carry a deeper message.

Tom Waits Lyrics Quiz

Tom Waits Lyrics QuizMusic Quiz

Pool balls, magpies and thorns without roses - how well do you know your Tom Waits lyrics?

Christmas Songs

Christmas SongsFact or Fiction

Rudolf, Bob Dylan and the Singing Dogs all show up in this Fact or Fiction for seasonal favorites.

Ian Anderson: "The delight in making music is that you don't have a formula"

Ian Anderson: "The delight in making music is that you don't have a formula"Songwriter Interviews

Ian talks about his 3 or 4 blatant attempts to write a pop song, and also the ones he most connected with, including "Locomotive Breath."