Lizalis' Idinga Lakho

The story of this hymn

Tiyo Soga, the first black South African ordained to Christian ministry, wrote this hymn during his years at the Mgwali mission he founded — a prayer that God would fulfil His promise, and that all the nations of the land would come to salvation. Soga, who also translated Pilgrim's Progress into isiXhosa, died of tuberculosis in 1871; his hymn outlived him to become one of the best-loved in the language, sung at family gravesides and at the state funerals of national leaders.

Where it sits in the service

It serves anywhere in the service, but sits most naturally after the tributes, when the mood turns from the person's story to God's promise; many congregations also raise it unprompted at the graveside. Wording differs slightly between hymnals, so print the version your congregation sings — or simply the title and first line, and trust the congregation to carry the verses.

In the programme, list it in the order of service as “Hymn — Lizalis' Idinga Lakho” with the leader or choir named beside it.

How it is actually sung

Tiyo Soga’s hymn, and one of the great texts of isiXhosa Christianity — a prayer that God’s promise be fulfilled. Sung in four-part harmony as standard. It suits a formal service and a graveside equally, and older congregations sing it from memory without hesitation.

Printing the words

Long-standing isiXhosa hymnody in general congregational use. The first line in the printed order is enough; check with the church if you want the full text, as hymnal arrangements may be licensed.

This is practical guidance rather than legal advice. Reproduction rights vary by territory, by hymnal edition and by the licence your church holds — the church office is the right place to ask, and they answer this question often.