Re ne re bapala motho a wela

“Re ne re bapala le motho a wela” (also heard as “Re ne re bapala le motho wa wela”) is a popular South African choral song. The phrase translates to “We were playing when someone fell,” and it is commonly used in playful games or teasing moments, often calling out someone who is pretending to be weak or has stumbled.

The chant typically begins with repeated lines such as “Re ne re bapala le motho wa wela, He!” and then flows into other spontaneous, humorous phrases. There is no single fixed version of the lyrics; instead, it thrives on interaction and call-and-response, allowing participants to improvise and adapt the words to the moment. Its lively, communal nature makes it especially popular in choral events.