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
Kabula nina kamushalila (I have no mother)
- Authors: Stephen Tsotsi Kasumali and 2 friends , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1957
- Subjects: Folk music--Africa , Ushi (African people) , Music--Zambia , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Zambia Kitwe f-za
- Language: Aushi , Lamba
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140076 , vital:37830 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR053-05
- Description: 'I have no mother. No matter what I do, whether I pray or whatever I do, I am alone." The singer is a wandering performer who earns his living by singing popular songs of his own composition which give him plenty of scope to introduce local gossip between verses. He is assisted by 2 or 3 friends who share his bohemian life wandering from compound to compound along the Copperbelt. His songs, though often rhythmic, are frequently based upon the slightest of melodies as in this case. This song is sung partly in the local Lamba language - Although Tsotsi Kasumali himself is an Aushi. Lament with guitar and bottle.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1957
Bena kasai ba kalenga balala nenyema pamwe
- Authors: Group of Lulua soilders and women , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1952
- Subjects: Folk music--Africa , Luba (African people) , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Congo (Democratic Republic) Luluabourg f-rh
- Language: Luba
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/182205 , vital:43810 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR178-04
- Description: Hand claps appear to be on the 2nd, 4th and 7th impulses of the 8 pulse rhythm. // ; 2, ; 4, ; ; 7, ' //. Maringa dance with Chisanzhi Mbira, two pairs of rattles, basket rattle, singing gourd bottle and clapping
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1952
Bilumbu
- Authors: Luba/Hemba men and women , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1952
- Subjects: Folk music--Africa , Songs, Luba-Lulua , Luba (African people) , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Democratic Republic of Congo Kongolo f-cg
- Language: Luba
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/183977 , vital:44104 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR183-11
- Description: The singers of this item had come north, down the Lualaba river ans were over 400 miles from their home in Kongolo, near the junction of the Lualaba with its tributory which drains the overflow flood waters from Lake Tanganyika. This simple repetitive song is similar to many others associated with divination - the repititions in themselves exercising a kind of hypnotic effect suited to teh occassion. Song and dance for herbalist or diviner, with 2 goblet drums, with mirlitons and closed, and rattles (-12.54-)
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1952
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
Kemai II
- Authors: Kankolongo Alidor , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1952
- Subjects: Folk music--Africa , Luba (African people) , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Congo (Democratic Republic) Kasai f-rh
- Language: Luba
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/182615 , vital:43847 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR178-15
- Description: "Two people had an argument. The rest came to find out what the trouble was, whereupon one left, leaving the other talking into space, at which they all said "what's the matter with him?" Kemai appears to be a common title for a piece of music, though they are not necessarily similar to each other. Only further research could elucidate this point. Topical song with Chisanzhi Likembe
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1952
Kufidi mpara bituta
- Authors: Eresina and Kasai women , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1952
- Subjects: Folk music--Africa , Luba (African people) , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Congo (Democratic Republic) Kasai f-rh
- Language: Luba
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/181937 , vital:43782 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR177-03
- Description: The clapping rhythm is the same as in the previous item. "Do not be afraid of an angry face." Drinking song with two singing gourds.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1952
Muleygame dibwela
- Authors: Kayoka Ladislaus, with Kapungo Isidore and Beya Marcel (Likembe players) , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1952
- Subjects: Folk music--Africa , Luba (African people) , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Congo (Democratic Republic) Kandakanda f-rh
- Language: Luba
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/182043 , vital:43793 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR177-12
- Description: "If a woman is supposed to work and yet just remains idle with her hands hanging, time will not wait for her." Chorus - "The brothers-in-law of my mother-in-law." "Les beaux freres de ma belle mere" was the translation given. For these two tunes (B5 and 6) the players returned their Likembe to another mode. 656, 592, 488, 432, 392, 380, 328, 296, 244, 216. Topical song, with 2 Likembe mbira and wooden clapper (-12.02-)
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1952
Muzengalenge wetu munyine
- Authors: Group of Luba soilders , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1952
- Subjects: Folk music--Africa , Luba (African people) , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Congo (Democratic Republic) Katanga f-rh
- Language: Luba
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/182227 , vital:43812 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR178-06
- Description: This group of men were all members of the military band at Elizabethville. In spite of their daily playing of European instruments they fall naturally back into their native modes as soon as they sing as a tribal group. Madings dance with drum, bottle, and sticks
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1952
Ntanga
- Authors: Group of Lulua soilders and women , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1952
- Subjects: Folk music--Africa , Luba (African people) , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Congo (Democratic Republic) Luluabourg f-rh
- Language: Luba
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/182191 , vital:43808 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR178-02
- Description: "We are very happy in our village, we have plenty of beer and gaiety and want to be left alone." The singing gourd can be heard only towards the end of the item. Maringa dance with Chisanzhi Mbira, two pairs of rattles, basket rattle, singing gourd bottle and clapping
- 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