Luma
- Authors: Atokwe with Bamba men , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1950
- Subjects: Music--Uganda , Nyoro (African people) , Nyankole (African people) , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Uganda Bundibugyo f-ug
- Language: Nyoro , Nyankole
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/170391 , vital:41916 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR0136-03
- Description: The Luma flute dances are a popular recreation in this district which lies under the foot of the Ruwenzori mountain, near its north west end. All the players of this ensemble were prisoners whom the local Ssaza chief let out of custody especially to play for this recording. The names of the seven pipes used:- from high to low pitch 1. Kyenuma, 2. Kyegira, 3. Sikuse, 4. Pee, 5. Kwigirize, 6. Kyigira Kike, 7. Chahomya. Luma flute ensemble x7 and one conical drum laced, single, played with sticks.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Luwanzo rhythm
- Authors: Gishu men , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1950
- Subjects: Music--Uganda , Gisu (African people) , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Uganda Mbale f-ug
- Language: Masaba (Gisu, Kisu, Dadiri, Buya)
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/169502 , vital:41757 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR0131-11
- Description: It has been noticed that while the flying ants are leaving a nest the soilder ants beat their heads on the ground; a sharp noise will also make them do this. Perhaps the explanation may be found in this direction. Two split holes, called Luwanzo, are taken to an ant hill in the late afternoon during rainy weather and balanced carefully on small bunches of banana fibre. The players then beat out rhythms such as this "To the Queen Ant" so that she will send out her flying ants for the men to catch and eat. They say it works wonderfully. Percussion rhythm, using two Luwanzo poles.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Lwakuba abataka
- Authors: Waibi with Soga men , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1950
- Subjects: Music--Uganda , Soga (African people) , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Uganda Jinja f-ug
- Language: Soga
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/171456 , vital:42062 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR141-09
- Description: The singer recalls the deaths of well known people in the district and remarks that death comes to everyone. Lament with 3 Budongo Likembe.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Lwangema Ingulo wamtengesanga
- Authors: S. Mondo , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1950
- Subjects: Music--Uganda , Soga (African people) , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Uganda Iganga f-ug
- Language: Soga
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/171525 , vital:42087 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR142-04
- Description: A song touching upon a number of subjects. "When on the point of death you have no strength left to talk. If you dream about a person dying it may mean your own death is near." "The English wanted to fly up to heaven to see God by means of aeroplanes. But they failed. God sent them a limited height of tweleve miles." A the time when this was recorded this height was, in fact, approximately the altitude record for an aeroplane. (Thanks are due, it would appear, to the information Bureau). "A certain man was sick in the evening and when he was given medicine he cried out with pain." The tuning of the instrument was, 248, 220, 202, 174, 144, 130, 110, 101 but the order of the notes themselves on the instrument does not follow the sequence of the scale. Topical song, with Ntongoli 8 string lyre.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Lyakulokela malaya heyakulo kela
- Authors: Mbilo Bundi 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 Shinyanga f-tz
- Language: Nyamwezi , Sukuma
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/173760 , vital:42408 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR152-10
- Description: You are being burnt by the sun, you unfaithful woman." The leader has a very harsh voice no doubt the result of years of singing in this style. The name of the dance is sometimes given as Buchyeke and sometimes as Ucheyeke. Bucheyeke dance song for men and women.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Lyalulumila lya Manyanga (I am the leader of the dance)
- Authors: Wachezaji wa Manyanga. Leader, Kasomangila Husen Ishike , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1950
- Subjects: Nyamwezi (African people) , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Tanzania Baraza Ndono f-tz
- Language: Nyamwezi
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/173219 , vital:42346 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR149-12
- Description: "This is the first time I have been able to record my songs. I am the leader of the Manynga dances." This troupe of dancers and singers was on tour at Mwanza from their home district of Tabora. Manyanga dance song for men, with 3 conical laced drums, 1 Goblet pegged drum (-14.51101-) and bells (-12.55-).
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Lyangala madunda libogo
- Authors: Sulum Abdallah with Hehe men and Children , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1950
- Subjects: Chaga (African people) , Hehe (African people) , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Tanzania Kalenga f-tz
- Language: Hehe
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174970 , vital:42526 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR157-03
- Description: "The love-torn man takes refuge in marriage, like a buffalo who hides himself up in the hills." A cheerful song, originally a wedding song but often sung as a drinking song. A good example of clapping as an accompaniment to dance. It seems fairly certain that the song has an erotic meaning behind it.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Machi (March)
- Authors: Johnnie Murithe Wambu and Kibunga Waita , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1950
- Subjects: Folk songs, Kikuyu , Kikuyu (African people) , Songs, Kikuyu--Kenya , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Kenya Embu f-ke
- Language: Kikuyu
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/175607 , vital:42598 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR159-15
- Description: The singer was a cycle repairer by trade, claimed to belong to the Njeudura age grade (his own age at the time being about 22 years in 1952). He, like other Kikuyu who buy these expensive accordians uses it as a noise maker rather than a melodic or harmonic accompaniment. As with the guitar players they rarely change key. This performance was remarkable for the understanding between the singer and his accompanist on the 'iron'. For the recording the man with his piece of iron and box had to be placed a considerable distance from the microphone. Mamboko dance with accordian and struck iron (-12.16-).
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Maganga kalila zanswelo
- Authors: Ngaina Nolo and Mtonya Bota , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1950
- Subjects: Gogo (African people) , Songs, Gogo , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Tanzania Mvumi f-tz
- Language: Gogo
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174225 , vital:42456 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR154-13
- Description: "Maganga wishes you good luck." This variety of Mbira, the Ilimba, is unusually large for a pentatonic instrument. The change of position of the microphone from the underside of the Ili,ba to the upper side for the singing of the verses is clearly heard; the rattles being on the reeds themselves. Self delecatative song, with 20 note Ilimba Mbira.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Magayo gonalemaga
- Authors: Nyakela with Gogo man and women , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1950
- Subjects: Gogo (African people) , Songs, Gogo , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Tanzania Mvumi f-tz
- Language: Gogo
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174175 , vital:42449 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR154-09
- Description: "We have taken great pains to come here and sing. Look here my lad, you must do as you are told." The shaking of their heads violently from side to side induces giddiness or an entranced state. Friends come to their assistance when they fall on the ground and force their heads between their knees to regain the circulation. The Malimba were large trough shaped zithers, 3' 10" long supported at either end by two large gourds upon which they were held. Owing to the lowness of the notes they produced, the sound of the drums drowned them. But the three players shook their long strings of red ochred hair in most ecstatic style as they played and sang. The Zithers were tuned as follows:-103, 90, 84, 76, 63 vs. Both 76 and 63 vs had two strings each. The strings are plucked about 4 inches from one end. The spectators crowd around the small group of zither players and drummers, who sitting on the ground or standing holding their hour glass drums between their knees, jump and shake their long locks as if they were possessed. They say several hours of this performance frequently gives the performers a kind of involuntary hysteria which takes time to calm. The drums appear to be played out of tune with the rest of the performance. Topical song with 2 hour glass drums (-14.31201-), 3 Malimba trough zithers (-10.3515-), Ndwala bells (-12.55-), flat tin rattles(-12.54-).
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Makomere
- Authors: Joshua Omwami , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1950
- Subjects: Folk music--Kenya , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Kenya Bunyore f-ke
- Language: Luya
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/176545 , vital:42713 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR162-06
- Description: The Itungu found in the country is a bowl lyre, but this instrument was a box lyre made from scraps of wood obtainable in town. He affixed a bicycle bell onto one arm of the lyre to add surprise effects, as that at the beginning of this item. The singer fought in the Burma campaign (second World War 1939-45) and the song is about a brother soilder and friend of his who died a Kalewa at the crossing of the Chindwin River. He says that as for himself he did not want to join the army again. The reiterated refrain at the end of each line means 'God bless you'. The tuning of his lyre was:- 416, 352, 304, 268, 248, 232, 208 vs. Topical song with Itungu long lyre ankle bells and gourd rattle.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Malenge
- Authors: Kesi Kule and Konjo men , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1950
- Subjects: Music--Uganda , Gisu (African people) , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Uganda Toro f-ug
- Language: Lhukonzo
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/169547 , vital:41762 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR0131-16
- Description: These Konjo people live in the foothills of the eastern flank of the Rwenzori Mountains. Their gardens and small huts may be seen from below right up into the cloud level precariously perched on the steep sides of the ever green slopes. The dancers girate in a circle, each man with a single pipe. The song refers to the February ripening of the maize crop. The flutes do not appear to be very accurately tuned, but the players were content with them as they were. Malenge flute dance song for men and women with Ilenga flute ensemble, three conical drums, laced, single and played with sticks.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Mali ya bibi si yangu tatunda
- Authors: Kyomile Kabanyolekile 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 Bukoba f-tz / f-ug
- Language: Nyoro , Haya
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/171917 , vital:42138 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR144-03
- Description: "Women's property is not yours, so do not touch a woman's property." The song describes the dilema of a certain man who tried to avoid paying his debts by saying his goods really belonged to his wife and so could not be used for paying his debts. When however his wife acted upon his declaration and sold the belongings for her own ends he was much put out. The bulk of this song is sung in the local dialect Swahili. Paddling song with conical laced drum, beaten with sticks and clapping (-12.03-).
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Malume gasimba chilumenda
- Authors: Ngaina Nolo and Mtonya Bota , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1950
- Subjects: Gogo (African people) , Songs, Gogo , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Tanzania Mvumi f-tz
- Language: Gogo
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174215 , vital:42455 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR154-12
- Description: "Whenever there is a dance men are always jealous of their wives." This Ilimba, a 20 note box mbira was locally made with notes of umbrella rib. It had a number of extra notes, eleven mounted in between the left and right hand series but these were not used. The mirliton membrane on the face of the instrument made it possible to hear the very low frequencies of the deep bass notes, which would otherwise have been lost. The tuning is as follows:- 536, 464, 404, 332, 268 vs. Its range extended from 640 to 55 vs or three and a half ocatves. Its deep bass notes are among the lowest to be found on any Mbira type of instrument. Song with 20 note Ilimba Mbira.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Mancawa we ndumo
- Authors: Gordoni Mwale and Tumbuka and Ngoni men and women , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1950
- Subjects: Folk music--Malawi , Songs, Zulu , Zulu (African people) , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Malawi Kasungu f-mw
- Language: Zulu
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/160916 , vital:40561 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR099-18
- Description: A song of rejoicing after killing a lion. Note the way in which the pitch of the song continually rises. The solos in the song are normally accompanied by 'Nkugiya' pas seul, after the Zulu fashion. The words of the song appear to have lost their meaning and the singers could not enlighten us. The melody must be an old and authentic one, brought up with the Jiri people from Zululand in the early 1800's. Hunting song (after the hunt).
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Manini
- Authors: Mbolele Sabulon with Meru men , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1950
- Subjects: Chaga (African people) -- Music , Meru (African people) -- Music , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Tanzania Arusha f-tz
- Language: Meru
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/173850 , vital:42415 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR153-01
- Description: "Our cattle were stolen but we rescued them. High God help me and show me how to recapture my cattle should they ever be raided again." About 600 men and women took part in these recordiongs. The Wembe horn can be heard during the responses. Embrukoi dance song for men and women with Wembe side blown horn.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Manyanga
- Authors: Melany Mewarali with Meru men and women , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1950
- Subjects: Chaga (African people) -- Music , Meru (African people) -- Music , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Tanzania Arusha f-tz
- Language: Meru
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/173891 , vital:42419 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR153-05
- Description: "We went along the Nairobi road, looking for water but we found none. So we returned with empty gourds and started drinking what we could find." The song is not quite what it seems on the surface and is understood to refer to cattle raiding. A Meru dance is most colourful. The girls being adorned with coloured bead necklets and both men and women paint patterns in ochre colours on their faces, from vermillion to ultramarine. The complex structure of this song is most interesting and elusive. Ufina dance song for men and women.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Manyanga
- Authors: Wachezaji wa Manyanga. Leader, Kasomangila Husen Ishike , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1950
- Subjects: Nyamwezi (African people) , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Tanzania Baraza Ndono f-tz
- Language: Nyamwezi
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/173183 , vital:42341 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR149-08
- Description: This team of professional dancers do a number of acrobatic step dances. The rhythm of their movements is accentuated by the ankle bells. The drums only appear towards the end of the item. Step dance with 3 conical drums (-14.22303-).
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Manyanga drum rhythms I
- Authors: Husuni Isike, Salumu Athman, Ramadhani Khuluwa , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1950
- Subjects: Zinza (African people) , Rundi (African people) , Nyamwezi (African people) , Folk songs, Rundi , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Tanzania Tabora f-tz
- Language: Nyamwezi
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/172950 , vital:42299 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR148-05
- Description: The laced conical drums provide the rhythmic bass, while the player of the goblet drum supplies the syncopation. The sharp sound is produced by stricking the membrane of the drum with loose fingers. The muted sound by closed fingers and the raised note by pressure from one elbow on the membrane. Three conical drums, one goblet drum (-14.51101-) and small bells (-12.55-).
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Manyanga drum rhythms II
- Authors: Husuni Isike, Salumu Athman, Ramadhani Khuluwa , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1950
- Subjects: Zinza (African people) , Rundi (African people) , Nyamwezi (African people) , Folk songs, Rundi , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Tanzania Tabora f-tz
- Language: Nyamwezi
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/172955 , vital:42300 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR148-06
- Description: The laced conical drums provide the rhythmic bass, while the player of the goblet drum supplies the syncopation. The sharp sound is produced by stricking the membrane of the drum with loose fingers. The muted sound by closed fingers and the raised note by pressure from one elbow on the membrane. Three conical drums, one goblet drum (-14.51101-) and small bells (-12.55-).
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950