Izono em hlabeni (Our sins will be ended when we leave earth)
- Authors: Joke Dlamini and the Homeless 'B' , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1958
- Subjects: Folk music--Africa , Field recordings , Folk songs, Zulu , Zulu (African people) , Folk music , Africa Eswatini Havelock Mine f-sq
- Language: Zulu
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/153268 , vital:39426 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR075-12
- Description: This item was probably copied from an unidentified record. This style of singing has become popular among many groups of men of Nguni origin. It allows them to shoot as loudly as they can and sing second parts mostly in organum. Two topical songs (Mbude style)
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1958
Koepe kumowa uwepe (Cassava, sweet cassava)
- Authors: R. W. Katenga-Kaunda and 3 Tonga lads , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1958
- Subjects: Folk music--Africa , Field recordings , Arts, Malawi , Songs, Tumbuka , Songs, Tonga (Nyasa) , Tumbuka (African people) , Folk music , Africa Malawi Chinteche District f-rh
- Language: Tonga
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/156207 , vital:39961 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR090-01
- Description: The song reflects a party of boys who are camping out beside the lake, sleeping out in the open air. They sing about their cassava which they are cooking and the lake fish which they have caught and prepared and handing it around, in fact a typical boy's party. Phuinu-uwepe is cassava which has been soaked in water for a long time. Topical song.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1958
Mande
- Authors: Group of Karanga men and women , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1958
- Subjects: Folk music--Africa , Field recordings , Folk music--Zimbabwe , Karanga (African people) , Folk songs, Shona , Folk music , Africa Zimbabwe Chibi District, Southern Rhodesia f-rh
- Language: Shona, Karanga
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/154631 , vital:39756 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR082-16
- Description: One of the Mashawi 9souls) dances. The Mujukwa are considered in the local mythology to represent the entities who act as go-betweens, or media, between man and the High-God: Especially in connection with their pleading for rain. Some would call them 'Angels'. The dances and songs of the Majukwa are therefore intended to concentrate attention upon aspect of social necessity. Rain, without which the people would perish. With the opening up of communications by white people the effects of draught and subsequent famine have been lessened and therefore the cult or belief in Majukwa and their functions has been proportianately diminished. A Majukwa dance with 3 Dumba drums, 1 Nyeri flute, leg rattles and clapping.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1958
Mkazi wa mulomo (The talkative woman)
- Authors: Lonesi Chewane and Joni Hetara , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1958
- Subjects: Folk music--Africa , Field recordings , Arts, Malawi , Songs, Nyanja , Nyanja (African people) , Folk music , Africa Malawi Chikwawa District f-rh
- Language: Nyanja/Mang'anja
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/156182 , vital:39960 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR089-19
- Description: The order of the notes can be changed to facilitate playing certain tunes. Numbers' 1, 2 and 3 from the bass were reversed for this tune. One of the players speaks during the playing. This tune is better and a brilliant piece of musical conversation. Tune without lyrics.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1958
Sukumuphendula. Part II (Stand up and reply)
- Authors: Large group of Swazi men , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1958
- Subjects: Folk music--Africa , Field recordings , Folk songs, Swazi , Folk music , Africa Eswatini Entonjeni, Pigg's Peak f-sq
- Language: Swati
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/152943 , vital:39365 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR073-02
- Description: It is customary to perform this in a wheeling movement before dismisal. It used to be an old regimental custom but is now done when a piece of work is finished as an indication they are now dispersing. "Sukumuphendule we mntaka mahlokohla kudumi nganeno kuking u sebuza abephumanga phesheya. Uligabazi lenjobo kabephumesi godlwe ni vuma kushwi nkhuyanje nkondho tindhwuna taka gwa ne tiphacumu tsethoo." "Stand up and reply (Sebuza) you, son of Mahlokohla. Cannons are firing for King Sebuza, when coming from overseas. You (Sebuza) know how to dance when you come from the palace. We say, Agree! The indunas of Swaziland disagree with these laws." This chant refers to Subuza's visit to England for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and was composed to greet him on his return. Ukuhlehla walking and running song.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1958
Zhikita (The girdle)
- Authors: Group of 12 Chokwe men and 8 women , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1957
- Subjects: Folk music--Africa , Luvale (African people) , Chokwe (African people) , Folk music , Angola , Congo (Democratic Republic) , Africa Angola Vila Luzo f-ao
- Language: Luvale/Chokwe
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/137119 , vital:37489 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR036-06
- Description: Zhikita, the girdle worn by women below their outer garments is a constant subject for song. To touch a zhikita would indicate intimacy with its owner. Chiyanda dance song with 3 conical drums. (1) Yasongo, 2) Mukundu, 3) Iyashima) and sticks tapping on drum.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1957
Dekeye
- Authors: Zande elephant drivers , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1952
- Subjects: Folk songs, Zande , Alur (African people) , Swahili-speaking peoples , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Democratic Republic of Congo Dungu f-cg
- Language: Zande/Vongara
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/168022 , vital:41532 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR0124-04
- Description: "A Chief's son always wants to become chief himself, are you not ashmed to want to take your father's place? The Zande men are specially chosen for the dangerous job of training wild African elephants on account of their bravery. The home district of these Zande men is Dungu, a small town in the north eastern corner of the Congo, north of Watsa and near the Sudan border. Topical song.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1952
Abagungu
- Authors: Samuiri Bitadwa and Nyoro men , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1950
- Subjects: Music--Uganda , Nyoro (African people) , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Uganda Hoima f-ug
- Language: Nyoro
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/169914 , vital:41838 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR0133-17
- Description: The Bagungu people are fishermen and live near the eastern shore of Lake Albert. They are renowned for their cheerful rhythmic dancing with leg rattles. The water lizard skin membranes of their drums make for high quality drumming and clear finger work. The 'Legevans' or iguana are found near the lake shore, they say. Orunyege dance song for men and women with Ebinyege leg rattles and Goblet drum long stem pegged open.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Mshatulo kwenda ovyo
- Authors: Ochiengi Chitechi with Wanga men , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1950
- Subjects: Wanga (African people) , Folk music--Kenya , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Kenya Nyanza f-ke
- Language: Wanga
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/176381 , vital:42689 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR161-10
- Description: The strings of the short lyre are only 13", those of the long are 28"-30". This song was composed in honour of the old chief Mumia who died on April 28th 1949 about 90 years old, though the locals claim his age to have been anything up to 130 years. He was a brave man, they say, who fought his enemies to the last man and ruled for some 70 years, leaving his mark upon the history of North Nyanza. The Indongoli lyre is played upright, unlike many of the lyres in Western Kenya which are held horizontal. Heroic song, with Indongoli 8 string short lyre and Tsindeche leg bells (-12.55-)
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Muganda
- Authors: Chad Obuyi with Giryama men , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1950
- Subjects: Giryama (African people) , Folk music--Kenya , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Kenya Malindi f-ke
- Language: Giryama
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/176680 , vital:42739 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR163-03
- Description: The Gonda was danced by a small group of dark skinned boys and girls who were dressed in the equivalent of the ballet dancers 'Tutu', a short multiple skirt made of banana stalk fibres which exaggerated every movement of the hips. It was one of the most pleasing and attractive dance displays by child dancers in the whole of East Africa, all of whom were expert performers. The excessive noise of the drums and the somewhat shrill voices of the singers do not do justice to the expert dancing which went with them. Gonda dance song for men and women, with 4 Mabumbumbu cylindrical drums, pegged and footed (-14.01101-), 1 Mushondo conical drum (-14.21201-). 1 Kaamuri goblet drum (-14.51101-).
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Muyola Mbwelwe
- Authors: Mutabi with Kamba men , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1950
- Subjects: Folk songs, Kamba , Kamba (African people) , Folk music--Kenya , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Kenya Machakos f-ke
- Language: Kamba
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/175908 , vital:42640 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR160-09
- Description: "Muyola Mbwelwe is a beautiful girl, and what is more she wears a lovely snuff box." Since recording these two items in 1950, I have been told that these stamping tubes almost if not all together absolete and no longer to be found in Kamba country. The Kyaa is a traditional instrument among the Kamba. It consists of a hollowed tube of euphorbia wood about 3-4 feet long, slightly bulging, with a hide cap on the lower end. A wire is attached to this membrane and passed up the length of the tube and is fixed at the top. If properly tuned it would help the column of air to vibrate when the tube is struck vertically on the ground. A handle is provided at the top of the tube by which the player grips the Kyaa and beats it on the ground. A circlet of metal rattles is also attached to the tube. Love song with Kyaa stamping tubes and Iamba Malebe tin rattles.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Nani mu khali
- Authors: Pancras Mkwawa , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1950
- Subjects: Chaga (African people) , Hehe (African people) , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Tanzania Iringa f-tz
- Language: Hehe
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174877 , vital:42517 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR156-10
- Description: "Who is the boldest man in the country? First the chief, and after him the elders. We must obey them all." The Hehe, like the Zulu in the south are given to heroic praises and laudatory songs. Heroic song with Ligombo 6 string trough zither.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Ngosha wewe nasengilehe
- Authors: Luchenje Nyanda with Sukuma men , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1950
- Subjects: Nyamwezi (African people) , Sukuma (African people) , Folk songs, Sukuma , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Tanzania Mwanza f-tz
- Language: Nyamwezi , Sukuma
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/173623 , vital:42390 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR152-02
- Description: "Young man where is your home? You are eating food with wizards. The man next to you is Wanambagule Mkuki, a tall fellow who has killed a number of wizards." Sukuma men are above the average height and are cheerful people when they sing and dance. The structure of this lyric and its manner of singing is also remarkable. Wigasha dance song for men.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Oindi Akelo
- Authors: Oluoch Kando , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1950
- Subjects: Luo (Kenyan and Tanzanian people) , Folk music--Kenya , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Kenya Bondo f-ke
- Language: Luo
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/178144 , vital:42913 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR167-13
- Description: Akelo and Kando the musician were friends who went to school together. Akelo was clever and passed all his examinations, but Kando was no good except at his music and was dimissed. Akelo his friend went higher and higher, joined the army and brought him back presents; for all he could do was to stay at home and play his music for the people. So now he sings his gratitude to his gifted friend. Praise song for a friend with Thum 8 string and Gava leg bells (-12.55-).
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Sila abingo
- Authors: Omolo Ogado with Luo men , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1950
- Subjects: Luo (Kenyan and Tanzanian people) , Folk music--Kenya , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Kenya Kasipul f-ke
- Language: Luo
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177898 , vital:42887 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR166-15
- Description: "There are too many clerks around in this location and some of them ought to be thrown out, so that if you want to see the chief you can do so without interference by clerks." So says Achocha Ondago. Wend Kong drinking songs, with Gara leg bells.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Topima
- Authors: Kagaruki Nkokolo with Haya men , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1950
- Subjects: Music--Uganda , Haya (African people) , Nyoro (African people) , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Tanzania / Uganda Kabale / Bukoba f-tz / f-ug
- Language: Nyoro , Haya
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/171981 , vital:42145 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR144-10
- Description: "Why do you dislike me? I would like you to be a good friend of mine." A man had a friend an they fell out, so he sang to his friend to weigh up their differences, to measure them up and forget about them, or agree to differ. Topical song with laced conical drum and clapping.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950