Hulula mtemi wiswe (Our old chief has vanished)
- Authors: Idi Selemani and Hashima Kamata with Nyamwezi men and women , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1950
- Subjects: Nyamwezi (African people) , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Tanzania Mwadui f-tz
- Language: Nyamwezi
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/173273 , vital:42352 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR150-04
- Description: "The name of the dance means "Go as you please" and it appears gives the dancers the freedom to do steps and movements as they wish and not in strict tempo or unison with other dancers. The style of singing is typical of those away from home and differs materially from the same type of song sung at home. Hiyari ya moyo dance song for men for men and women, with cylindrical laced drums and conical pegged (-14.22101-) and ankle bells (-12.55-).
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Mfwa Kipanga
- 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/10962/173883 , vital:42418 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR153-04
- Description: "A certain man had a daughter who wanted to marry a young man, but the father refused. So she went to her lover and said, in Swahili, that her father had agreed to the marriage." 'To talk Swahaili' is synonymous with 'telling lies', the Meru say, as they have a rooted suspicion of interpreters who for the benefit of Europeans and others translate their language into another which they do not understand. (The Bemba of Northern Rhodesia use the word 'Chichawa' the language of the Yao in similiar sense). These Meru people are among the most handsome in Africa and were a brave sight in their beautiful costumes with their bright beads, their six foot long spears and pastel coloured shields. The setting, upon the slopes of Mount Meru was also exhilarating in a green sward set among the large forest trees. Ufina dance song for men and women.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Muli baripiya
- Authors: Paulo Rufundamwarwo and Nyoro boys and girls , 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/10962/169892 , vital:41835 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR0133-15
- Description: This song encourages the Nyoro to sing and dance well. The leg rattles are the rhythmic feature of the dance. The singing is very similar to that found in Southern Rhodesia among the Karanga. Orunyege dance song for boys and girls, with Ebinyege leg rattles.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Ndege (The aircraft)
- 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/10962/175114 , vital:42541 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR157-19
- Description: The song concerns the famous 'Hurricane' fighter aircraft about which African soilders told accounts in praise ofits performance in the 1939-45 German war. It was composed by the soilders during the war and has been sung as a folk dance song since their return. 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
Ngune nduli wangola ekuka
- Authors: Ndulu with Kamba boys and girls , 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/10962/176214 , vital:42673 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR161-05
- Description: The Kamba are renowed for their dancing which can be a grand athletic performance. The music which is the ground for the dancing gives no idea of the cheerfulness of the spectacle. The rising sequence of notes in the chorus is unusual. Dance song for boys and girls.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Wantaga kwabule Abudali (You neglect me Abudali)
- 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/10962/173210 , vital:42345 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR149-11
- Description: "You have neglected me Abudali, give me a blanket to cover myself." The name Abudali appears to be an African version of Abdul. The Manyanga dance as performed by these singers is a troupe acrobatic dance in which the actions are controlled by a lead and certain set sequences performed. These require considerable skill to perform. Manyanga dance song for men, with 3 conical laced drums, 1 goblet pegged drum (-14.51101-) and anklet bells (-12.55-).
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1950
Akasolo mudhe
- Authors: Erukamu Mukama , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1952
- Subjects: Music--Uganda , Soga (African people) , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Uganda Kyemere f-ug
- Language: Soga
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/171491 , vital:42083 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR142-01
- Description: "A squirrel had a wife whose name was Kyotawale. Now this squirrel was a gentleman and he wore a tie and tied it as well as any Europeans." The squirrel has a small white oatch under the throat which looks like a tie. But this is considered to be a European and not a Soga habit. Topical song, with Ntongoli bowl lyre.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1952
Ayambungu
- Authors: Zayi Pierre and Bodagi Alias and Ngbandi men , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1952
- Subjects: Folk songs, Mangbetu , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Democratic Republic of Congo Ubangi f-cg
- Language: Ngbandi
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/166971 , vital:41424 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR0121-10
- Description: "If ever I have a man out in prison I shall take him to the tribunal first." The tuning of bamboo notes is not easy as with metal notes on account of the nature of the overtones produced by bamboo. The tuning of these Ngombi Likembe was not quite the same as in the previous items, the reeds of bamboo from left to right was 236, 152, 212, 138, 200, 182, 166 and 332 vs. which gives a heptatonic scale:- 332, (304), (276), 236, 212, 200, 182, 166, 152, 138 vs. The top of this bowl shaped likembe was sewn onto the body which was made from a solid log hollowed out like a bowl with an 8" handle. The body was 21" broad and 7" deep. Topical song with Ngombi Likembe with bamboo notes.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1952
Nadu
- Authors: Medje men , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1952
- Subjects: Folk songs, Mangbetu , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Democratic Republic of Congo Medje f-cg
- Language: Mangbetu
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/166752 , vital:41400 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR0120-01
- Description: The Nadu dance is performed in a straight line. The Medje names of the instruments were:- Conical drum - Nabita, large bell drum - Nedundu, Slit drum - Nekbokbo, Pod drum - Emandru, Double metal bell - Nenbongbo, Basket rattle - Nezeza. The Medje have earned for themselves a reputation for singing and dancing. The steps of their dances are simple but most effective en masse. Marriage dance with 4 conical laced drums, 1 large bell slit drum, 2 pod slit drums, 2 small slit drums, 1 double metal bell, 1 metal hand bell and 6 basket rattles.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1952
Nekenye
- Authors: Mangbele men , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1952
- Subjects: Kusu (African people) , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Democratic Republic of Congo Gombari f-cg
- Language: Mangbetu
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/168949 , vital:41664 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR0128-10
- Description: The Mangbele are a sub-group of the Mangbetu, mixed with the Mamvy. Most tribes in this north eastern corner of the Congo have been absorbed in whole or in part by their neighbours. This Bantu tribe came under the cultural sway of the stronger Sudanic Mangbetu and have adopted the habits of their mentors. The name of the chief whose praises are sung in this song is Mokoto. Praise song for a Chief, with two wooden pod drums, and two cylindrical wooden slit drums and two bells and basket rattles.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1952
E-ye-ye kusumbukila kulunda (The Lunda marriage)
- Authors: Group of 6 Lunda men. Leader: Conguboyi Ntambo , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1957
- Subjects: Folk music--Africa , Luba (African people) , Southern Lunda (African people) , Folk music , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Zambia Mwinilungu f-za
- Language: Lunda
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/139301 , vital:37724 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR0047-08
- Description: The Chief Mwinilunga Kalongisha is said to have destroyed the chieftainship of his younger brother and therefore lost the respect of his people. Sikinta party dance song with 2 struck bottles.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1957
Ye magwaza (To stab)
- Authors: Old Gcaleka men and women , 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/10962/150950 , vital:39020 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR062-03
- Description: This song was sung at an informal drinking party at a friend's hut. The singers were not informed beforehand and sang as they sat around on the ground at the party. The host's name, Nzomzoloni Mzelani. Circumcision song for Abakweta dance with clapping.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1957
Mukadzi wanga (My wife)
- Authors: Young girls and 4 drummers , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1958
- Subjects: Folk music--Africa , Field recordings , Arts, Malawi , Songs, Nyanja , Nyanja (African people) , Folk music , Africa Malawi Chipwembwe, Fort Herald f-rh
- Language: Nyanja/Mang'anja
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/155820 , vital:39920 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR088-02
- Description: The drums are carved out of Mutondo wood (one of Sokosa wood) cut locally on the plain. The maker Bauleni made No. 5 as long ago as 1930. The others are more recent. The membranes are of ox hide. The dance is well performed by the young girls who stand in a row or semicircle near the drums and each comes out in turn to do a solo dance, a clever rhythmic routine ending with a sharp pelvic jerk. As one girl finishes another immediately takes her place. The drums are all played with curved wooden beaters except the 2 bass drums numbers 8 and 9 which are played with hands. Some of the girls held clappers and one a tin rattle. Likhuba dance with 9 drums.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1958
Wa Ciyawo mkujaliani (The Yao despise me)
- Authors: Men and women of Pemba Village , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1958
- Subjects: Folk music--Africa , Field recordings , Yao (African people) , Arts, Malawi , Folk music , Africa Malawi Pemba. Salima District, Central Nyasaland f-mw
- Language: Yao
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/154694 , vital:39765 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR083-03
- Description: The player of the second drum was blind and had been so since childhood. The Yao despise me when I put on short trousers as if it is for the Mochomanga dance. Tell him to take them off they say. Bari dance with 2 Khunto cylindrical drums, pinned and weighted.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1958
Ekwane ka marumo (Come out with assegais)
- Authors: Jemina Pheha and 24 women , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1959
- Subjects: Folk songs, Tswana , Tswana (African people) , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa South Africa Saulspoort f-sa
- Language: Tswana/Kgatla
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/165969 , vital:41302 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR0116-06
- Description: "Mother, I am born for the assegai. Come out with the assegais people of Dikgale, Come out with the assegais. I was born for the leopard, I was born at the place where the Lehiliri trees grow. Come out with assegais. An old song from the fighting days of the last century. First Mazilikazi and later the whites fought in this district while the tribal headquaters were still here and later near Mochudi in Bechuanaland. Fighting song.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1959
Ketekete ('Ketekete' the noise made by a bell)
- Authors: Lefu Rajane and a group of men , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1959
- Subjects: Folk songs, Sotho , Folk songs, Tswana , Sotho-Tswana languages , Tswana (African people) , Sotho (African people) , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Lesotho Mokoroane f-lo
- Language: Tswana/Rolong
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/162437 , vital:40931 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR0107-08
- Description: "Ketekete Mamatshoa Fatse. I got up as a man would. The cow has miscarried. If I kept silent, I would shut the guests out. Guests, and the world's temptations." :Ketekete Mamatshoha Fatse" is a name that refers to somebody who had fallen down and gets up again (this being a name that describes such a person. Mokorotlo riding song.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1959
Motee (Name)
- Authors: Abraham Mudukanele and 18 Hurutshe men , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1959
- Subjects: Folk songs, Tswana , Tswana (African people) , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa South Africa Gopane f-sa
- Language: Tswana/Hurutshe
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/165705 , vital:41273 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR0114-09
- Description: Male initiation song sung on going up into the hills for the period of seclusion during the initiation school.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1959
Paseka oa tseka (Paseka is complaining)
- Authors: Mahlapane Qalike and group of Sotho women , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1959
- Subjects: Folk songs, Sotho , Sotho (African people) , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Lesotho Tebang f-lo
- Language: Sotho
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/162304 , vital:40831 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR0106-13
- Description: "Paseka is disputing over a piece of land, foolishly. He is disputing over the site behind Semoti's house. You, Mampolletse of Makhaba, The thing becomes more serious at night. Do not give Mahlapane any corn she does not hoe her cornfields. If my voice were a clock I would be ringing it through to Natal. To my friend at Monyameng. The length of a bundle of reeds." Lelingoana women's initiation song.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1959
Tomolang ka diatla (like putting up carrots with your hands)
- Authors: Dintsa Marumolo and about 60 young men , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1959
- Subjects: Folk songs, Sotho , Folk songs, Tswana , Sotho-Tswana languages , Tswana (African people) , Sotho (African people) , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Lesotho Tshidilamolomo f-lo
- Language: Tswana/Rolong
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/162382 , vital:40925 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR0107-02
- Description: The singers had just come back from initiation school. Here they use floor polish instead of the traditional red ochre with which to stain themselves. Several of them looked like Nilo Hamite men from Kenya and some of their songs also suggested the modality of those Northern tribes coincidence perhaps, but noticable. The singers were waering tribal attire, skins, carrying sticks and knockberries, had their heads shaved except for a patch in the crwon and were stained red. "It is like pulling up carrots (by hand)! To be a policeman is a battle with your hands! Let us go and do it with our hands." 'Diatla'-hands. The word 'hands' is significant and the meaning of the song plays upon this word. Male initiation song performed while in the veld.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1959
Antiphon
- Authors: Xhosa composers workshop participants , Molefe, S. C. , Dargie, Dave
- Date: 1977
- Subjects: Folk music , Sacred music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa South Africa Zwelitsha sa
- Language: IsiXhosa
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/357827 , vital:64790 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Makhanda, South Africa , Dave Dargie Field Tapes, Rhodes University, Makhanda, South Africa , DDC042b-05
- Description: Music workshop performance, accompanied by clapping
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1977