The lyrics of " Soweto Blues " refer to the children 's protests and the resulting massacre in the 1976 Soweto uprising . A review in the magazine '' Musician '' said that the song had " searingly righteous lyrics " that " cut to the bone . " " Soweto Blues " was also one of many melancholic songs by Masekela that expressed his commitment to the anti-apartheid struggle , along with " Bring Him Back Home ( Nelson Mandela ) , " " Been Gone Far Too Long , " " Mama , " and " The Coal Train . " Musically , the song has a background of Mbaqanga guitar , bass , and multi-grooved percussion . Makeba uses this as a platform for vocals that are half-sung and half-spoken , similar to blues music
resulting massacre
Sharpeville massacre
Soweto Blues