Archive for Africa
A Beautiful Song Performed on Mbira (An Instrument From Africa)
Posted by: | CommentsCheck out this large (5 octave) mbira – an instrument with African roots. To find out more about mbiras and kalimbas – check out DARIA’s Making Multicultural blog. To find out how to make your own homemade version of an mbira – visit her post here.
The mbira pictured here was made by a company called Array Instrument. You can find out more about the unique instruments that they build on their website.
Kumbayah By DARIA
Posted by: | CommentsThis is a new version of the campfire classic, with a few new verses but it. Artwork is by Farah Aria (www.faraharia.com), who draws the most wonderful people. I love how she has included several types of drums here, including the woman on the right, playing a talking drum under her arm!
Harambee – A History of Kenya In Song
Posted by: | CommentsHow was Kenya founded? This song tells the story and shows some amazing historical footage – plus pictures of present day Kenya. Sung by Linda Muthama, a talented Kenyan artist that was born in the city of Limuru and began singing at the age of seven!
Betelehemu – African Children’s Choir
Posted by: | CommentsCheck out these beautiful traditional outfits and the sound of this Christmas Carol from Nigeria. What a beautiful children’s chorus!
Folk Music Lessons for Kids – The Tar from North Africa
Posted by: | CommentsThis video comes from our friend, John Daneluk, from the website Making Music, Praying Twice. He is an amazing hand drummer and there are some beautiful close-up shots of how to play this instrument. Enjoy!
TRAVEL THE WORLD: Meet Me In Zimbabwe
Posted by: | CommentsWould you like to take a trip around the nation of Zimbabwe in Africa? This song and video let you travel to see the scenery, beautiful people, cities, countryside, delicious food, smiling people and so much more. This song is a photographic tour of that beautiful land by a group called Children of Nandi, a South African/Zimbabwe duo based in Zurich, Switzerland.
Along with some delicious food dishes, you can also see a delicacy from this area of Africa called Mopani worms. Yes, they are real worms that you eat – yum!
DARIA/Here Come Our Mothers – A Song From The Zulu Tradition
Posted by: | CommentsEvery culture celebrates mothers! This wonderful song is from South Africa and tells the story of mothers who have grown good foods in their gardens all year long. They take their goods to market and always return carrying something good or some special treat they have brought for their children.
On that day, it is said that the kids are very good. They do not fight with their siblings or neighbors. They may even sweep up or do extra chores without even being asked. Then, when their mother comes into sight, they start singing and the song tells about the wonderful goodies that their mom may have in her bundle or basket.
