The Click Song

About the song

Makeba released “The Click Song” on her self-titled 1960 album. The recording presents the traditional Xhosa song “Qongqothwane,” bringing its distinctive vocal articulation into an intimate, clearly shaped performance.

Sound and arrangement

Her voice combines a flowing melodic line with the percussive detail of Xhosa consonants. The accompaniment leaves space around that delivery, allowing rhythm and language to remain central to the song’s character.

Listening closely

Listen to how the sounds of the words fit into the pulse of the melody. The vocal’s changing articulation is part of the musical movement, not simply an addition to a tune carried elsewhere.