Songs from Africa

Here are some newly composed and traditional songs from South Africa, shared and transcribed by Sharon Durant

Bazo buya - Xola - Newly composed Xhosa song from South Africa

Translation: They have gone (hamba - to go)
They will return (ba - they) (buya - return)
In 4 parts SATB
score

Gumama - traditional Nigerian Church song

Learnt from Xola. English translation: 'Yawe (God), you've been so good to me'
score

Ihiyo Mama - Xola

New composition from Port Elizabeth, South Africa
score

Inkomo Kababa (Nkomo kababa)

Xhosa song from South Africa in four parts, SATB
'My father's cow Sing a song of praise for Gweyimani
Gwayimani a cow for lobola
We say Gwayimani'
hear it sung by Soweto Gospel Choir
score

Siyabonga

Traditional Zulu song with harmonies. Fantastic to sing in large groups.
Siyabonga baba (Thank you father)
Siyabonga Jesu (Thank you Jesus)
Siyabonga baba (Thank you father)
Nkosi sikelele (God bless)
mp3

Throw Catch - Skura

From East London, South Africa comes this great action song written by a young composer. It has caught on with young people and at Sing Up training sessions as an immediate hit with rhythms, actions and easy optional harmonies.
KEY STAGE 2 to adult
score

Volo Volo - Xhosa song from South Africa

Call with harmony response. Translation: 'I dare not go to Kwamashu, I fear guns'.
Ngekhe ndiye Kwamashu (I dare not go to Kwa-mashu)
Ngesaba mavolo-volo wema (I fear guns)
Ngesaba mavolo-volo wema (volo - revolver)
Ngesaba mavolo-volo wema
score


Sing Up



Sing Up, the Music Manifesto National Singing Programme, produced by Youth Music with AMV-BBDO, Faber Music and The Sage Gateshead supported by Government.
Vocal Union is part-funded through Sing Up and is part of its national singing programme.