Ndinga Ngonyoko (I am old as your mother and I know everything)
- Authors: Young Gcaleka men and girls , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1957
- Subjects: Folk music--Africa , Folk music--South Africa , Field recordings , Xhosa (African people) , Folk music , Africa South Africa Idutywa f-sa
- Language: Xhosa
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/151085 , vital:39028 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR063-03
- Description: Three young Amakwenkwe boys in most handsomely decorated and beaded clothes wound around them from the waist down-beads in profusion over the head, neck and shoulders, danced sedately around as the girls sang behind them. Mtshotsho song, with clapping.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1957
Chigona mbara (The drunkard)
- Authors: Simenti Phiri , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1958
- Subjects: Folk music--Africa , Field recordings , Arts, Malawi , Songs, Nyanja , Nyanja (African people) , Folk music , Africa Malawi Malindi, Port Herald f-rh
- Language: Nyanja/Mang'anja
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/155906 , vital:39930 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR088-11
- Description: As he sang the audience were all making the sound of drinking. The tune, he says, was taken from a certain entertainer in Salisbury who called himself Chigona Mbara. The 'Drunkard'. Self delectative song with board zither.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1958
Chikulamayembe Gondwe
- Authors: Alick Mpusi Mutali and Tumbuka/Henga men , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1957
- Subjects: Folk music--Malawi , Tumbuka (African people)--Music , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Zambia Livingstone f-za
- Language: Tumbuka
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140247 , vital:37854 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR054-09
- Description: Chief Chikulamayembe Gondwe is the Paramount Chief of the Henga people in northern Nyasaland- as a great man by men of his tribe. Praise song.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1957
Umulugu wa Yakobo
- Authors: Wonkhama Sekenge 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 Mwadui f-tz
- Language: Nyamwezi , Sukuma
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/173477 , vital:42375 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR151-06
- Description: "This year we expect to have a lot of sisal and therefore a lot of money. But some of our friends will lose because the grasshoppers have eaten their grain crops." The high price of sisal this year (1950) has created a demand and the local Sukuma have been cutting their sisal hedges and getting the fibre for sale to Indian buyers. A few days after this song was sung an order had to be issued by the authorities forbidding, temporarily, the buying of sisal as the Sukuma were neglecting to harvest both their grain and cotton crops which were being left to spoil in the fields. There is a sound fo drums in the distance at the beginning of the song. Busatsi dance song form men and women.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Khanyisa Gura (Mother)
- Authors: Robert Golozera and three elderly women , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1958
- Subjects: Folk music--Africa , Field recordings , Arts, Malawi , Songs, Nyanja , Nyanja (African people) , Folk music , Africa Malawi Njolomole, Ncheu f-rh
- Language: Nyanja/Chewa/Chichewa
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/155602 , vital:39898 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR086-11
- Description: A song sung on engagement, when the woman is first brought to the man's home. Robert Golozera is the uncle of the present chief Njolomole. The man who is supposed to be singing this song, complains that a certain man came 'behind his back' and slept with his wife while he himself was in the village. In some devious way the theme of the song appears to be intended to be taken as a warning to wantons. Marriage song.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1958
Bwana Leja
- Authors: Thomas Mulungo , 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/10962/169412 , vital:41747 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR0131-01
- Description: The player was seated holding the lyre with the strings extending towards the right and played his leg bells by beating his heel on the ground. Bawana Leja (Letcher or Fletcher) was said to be a Government appointed valuator of cattle which were commandered during the war (1939-45) to feed the troops stationed in Kenya and Uganda. The woman complains that her only cow was taken by him and that she had no milk to give her new born child. Topical song with seven string Litungu lyre and leg bells.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Peny gi Polo
- Authors: Elisha Nyakango , 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/10962/177853 , vital:42882 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR166-10
- Description: He praises God who made all creatures. The God to whom all men can pray. This item and the next one are unusual in that a genuine local type of folk is used for a Christian purpose. Wend Nyashye Religious chants with Thum 8 string bowl lyre.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Okufa kwa Kireri
- Authors: Nekemiya Nanywamu and Kasani Byansi , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1950
- Subjects: Music--Uganda , Soga (African people) , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Uganda Bukona f-ug
- Language: Soga
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/171543 , vital:42089 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR142-06
- Description: Kireri was a godly man who died in a train accident between Kamapala and Nairobi. He believed that everyone should pray to his own gods, and belonged to a sect called Balokole. When he was killed in the accident, they say, that had it not been for Europeans his body would have been eaten by hyenas, for his wife refused to have him brought home for burial. Topical song, with Ntongoli 8 string lyre and Ndingidi 1 string lute (-10.54-).
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Chepkirui
- Authors: Teituk Arap Sumiyot , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1950
- Subjects: Kipsigis (African people) , Folk music--Kenya , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Kenya Sotik f-ke
- Language: Kipsigis
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177739 , vital:42854 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR165-19
- Description: This kind of song is a favourite with the Kipsigis tribe in which they praise their friends, the countryside and other familiar things which they love. Praise song with Kibugandet 5 string bowl lyre, laced.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Awakasi mbuwayi
- Authors: James Matigo with Jita men , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1950
- Subjects: Kwaya (African people) , Jita (African people) , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Tanzania Musoma f-tz
- Language: Kwaya , Jita
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/175105 , vital:42540 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR157-18
- Description: The dance is a shaking dance in which the top part of the body, and the throax is rhythmically revolved with the arms and shoulder blades revolving in concert with the chest. This type of dance action appears to be very commonly employed in the district near the Lake Victoria. The item was recorded at the Mwadui Williamson Diamond Mine where the men were employed. Marimba dance song for men and women, Marimba (Mbira) 12 notes.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Damunda
- Authors: Laurenti Kamwabwa with Haya boys and girls , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1950
- Subjects: Music--Uganda , Haya (African people) , Nyoro (African people) , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Tanzania / Uganda Kagya / Bukoba f-tz / f-ug
- Language: Nyoro , Haya
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/171829 , vital:42130 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR143-14
- Description: Damunda was the pet name of his love, which means the 'Beauty'. Many girls in this district certainly merit the title of Damunda as they are gifted with an unusual share of charm. Love song, with conical laced drum played with sticks and rattles.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Mere
- Authors: Nasuti Social Club , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1952
- 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/10962/171207 , vital:42030 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR140-06
- Description: "You should always trust in God and not be proud of yourself without thinking of him." The eight Budongo Likembe were in three pitches each an octave apart. (1) Th treble - Mbaire, (2) The baritone - Ndumi, (3) The bass - Nene. The common scale was as follows:- 656, 560, 496, 432, 368, 328 vs. Religious song, with 8 Budongo 11 note Likembe and a Nsaasi flat tin rattle (-12.54-).
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1952
Mtempile
- Authors: Nyanja Policemen , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1958
- Subjects: Folk music--Africa , Field recordings , Arts, Malawi , Songs, Nyanja , Nyanja (African people) , Folk music , Africa Malawi Zomba f-rh
- Language: Nyanja/Chewa/Chichewa
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/179114 , vital:39884 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR086-01
- Description: "The Nyanja, Ngoni, Lomwe, Chewa came and built a temple." It would appear that the singers belong to one of the many separatist African churches. "Mtempile Anyanja, Angoni, Alomwe, Acawa ndza namanga." The four tribes mentioned are all to be found in Nyasaland. African christians are fond of using the word 'temple' in various pronunciations. Wedding song.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1958
Walalemela mugundu (Lazy people have no fields)
- Authors: Lupembe Changa with Hehe men , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1950
- Subjects: Chaga (African people) , Hehe (African people) , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Tanzania Ilole f-tz
- Language: Hehe
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/175076 , vital:42537 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR157-15
- Description: The Mangala dance is usually performed with bell rattles tied onto the ankles, the performers standing around the drums and occasionally dancing round in a circle with short shuffling steps. The bells are of two pitches, high and low, a pair being strapped to left and right ankles of each dancer. Mangala dance song for men and women with hour-glass drums.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Owaha o Lomwe (When you come from Lomwe)
- Authors: Sitoni Maulidi and Dailoni Likluva , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1958
- Subjects: Folk music--Africa , Field recordings , Songs, Chewa , Songs, Nyanja , Nyanja (African people) , Chewa (African people) , Folk music , Africa Malawi Dedza f-mw
- Language: Nyanja/Chewa
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/160652 , vital:40489 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR098-10
- Description: This strange song is sung about three months after the burial, they say. "You befoul yourself. When you came from Lomwe, you had no plate. You met me, your friend, but have turned against me." Obseques after death, with clapping.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1958
Te-reterere
- Authors: Shaba Kasiani with Chaga men , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1950
- Subjects: Chaga (African people) , Hehe (African people) , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Tanzania Marangu f-tz
- Language: Hehe
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174607 , vital:42493 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR156-06
- Description: "The lost man who wandered into the bush not knowing which way to go, he met wild animals, buffalo and a blind man drinking water far away from anywhere." Song, with Shicheyere leg bells.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Abakazi okuzandhda
- Authors: Waibi and Soga men , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1952
- Subjects: Music--Uganda , Soga (African people) , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Uganda Bugabula County f-ug
- Language: Soga
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/171292 , vital:42042 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR140-14
- Description: "Women like playing very much. Oh! yes the women do like playing. Women should not be trusted. For if you give one a present, she gives it to her lover." This song was much appreciated by the audience which was sitting all around the players. Humorous song, with Budongo Likembe and Nsaasi tin rattle.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1952
Bana ba tau we-e! (Children of the lion!)
- Authors: Group of about 70 men , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1959
- Subjects: Folk songs, Tswana , Tswana (African people) , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa South Africa Mochudi f-sa
- Language: Tswana/Kgatla
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/166218 , vital:41339 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR0117-02
- Description: "Children of the lion. He - he! we! Having been called, we have come." This song was recorded on the occasion when the Chief was being presented with the skin of a lion which had recently been killed, out at one of the cattle posts. According to custom, the skin had to be given to the Chief, Murusi Pilane. A large crowd of men marched up through the village to the Chief's council place, the Kgotla, singing this song as they came. The man who had killed the lion wore the skin over his head and shoulders, while four other men were similarly covered with the skins of leopards. A friend had the hollow fanged skull of the lion strapped on top of his head. As they sang, several men stabbed the air with their assegais as if they were reenacting the scene. Hunting song.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1959
Inganile Intombi Yami Nokuzula (My girl Nokuzula has left me)
- Authors: Yelanjani Matula , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1958
- Subjects: Folk music--Africa , Field recordings , Folk songs, Swazi , Folk music , Africa Eswatini Havelock Mine f-sq
- Language: Swati
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/152666 , vital:39329 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR071-07
- Description: A phrase in this song refers to the custom of reserving a portion of an animal, the heart or chops for the younger people. So comparing this to the loss of the girl, he says, waiting in anticipation of his share of the chops, he is disappointed. Topical song with concertina.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1958
Amagombe galindya
- Authors: Nasuti Social Club , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1952
- 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/10962/171201 , vital:42029 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR140-05
- Description: A song of mourning reminding the singers that they also will soon follow their dead friend. Mourning song, with 8 Budongo 11 note Likembe and Nsaai tin rattle.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1952