In South Africa, indentured labourers have adapted to the local conditions by hybridising religious and cultural practices. For example, the major Mariamman observance that is held in the month of Adi (July 15 – August 15) in Tamil Nadu has been shifted in South Africa to the Easter weekend, because plantation owners would shut down all activities and give the indentured workers three days off from work.

"Theemithi" or firewalking, traditionally associated with Draupadi Amman worship, continues to be observed at Mariamman temples throughout South Africa with a rich history going back to the first Indian indentured workers arriving in 1860.

Enjoy Enjaami’s lyrical beat as a fusion of Afro-Caribbean music and Oppari, a type of folk song, part-eulogy, part-lament, traditionally performed at funerals in Tamil Nadu.

Sadly, the Oppari tradition was discontinued in South Africa, with even the popular Uddakai Poosari/Pujari traditions where holy men sang from the Mariamman Thalattu seeing a gradual decline from times of indenture. These traditions, together with spoken Tamil, Bhojpuri, and Telugu also desperately yearn for a rekindling provided that "we come together as one" to honour our ancestors.

In drawing parallels with indenture, the song’s lyrics deeply resonate with our history and identity in South Africa. Part of the lyrics, implore us to harvest the metaphoric and literal seeds of age-old traditions passed down by our ancestors.

The translated lyrics speak to our responsibility that lies ahead:

"The land guarded by my ancestors

The devotee that dances

As the earth rotates around the rooster crows

It’s excretions fertilised the forests

It’s turned into our country

Then our home too

What’s the matter, what’s the matter my dear?

What’s the matter my Karumbu (sugar cane)?

What’s the matter, what’s the matter my dear?

My darling grandson, what’s the matter?

Bitter gourd (Pavakkai) in my canopy

Bitter gourd in my canopy

It has given us seeds

Given us seeds

Left by our mom and dad

Left by our mom and dad”

Enjaami is a term of endearment, a word a grandmother would fondly use to address her grandchildren. It comes from "en saami", literally, "my lord".

It is also a term that landless labourers would use to refer to their masters. In looking to the future, the use of "Enjoy" in the song’s title makes this song festive and aims to celebrate one’s roots.

There is no better way to welcome the anniversary year of the 165th year of indentured workers in South Africa than to honour our ancestors where we can "come together as one, riding on elephants and showering in the rain".

“Enjoy Enjaami Vango Vango Onnagi, Amma Yi Ambari Indha Indha Mummari…”

#1860

From indentured labour to cultural revival

Enjoy Enjaami: a musical tribute to our indentured ancestors