Red Light, Black Tar

[Lead] A red signal burns above black rain-slick tar. One kick, one space, one voice in the concrete night. [Call] Asihambi emuva, forward through the dark. [Response] Siyahamba, siyahamba, together on the ground. Asihambi backward when the night says stop. [Verse] No bright disguise, no rhythm out of place. The dark holds open room for every shouted name. Durban air is heavy, but our feet remain exact. When the drum withdraws, the people bring it back. [Chant] Red Light, Black Tar! Hear the line. Red Light, Black Tar! Hold the line. Izandla phezulu, izinyawo emhlabathini. We move as one and leave no voice behind. [Final Response] Siyahamba, siyahamba, together on the ground. Asihambi emuva, forward through the dark.