African Childrens Choir: Still Walking In The Light

It was 1984 and Ray Barnett heard a news report from Africa that told of how thousands of orphans were dying in a bloody civil war in Uganda. Sickened by the images of famine and tragedy, Ray formed the African Children's Choir to show the world how bright and beautiful African children are. Money was raised from churches to go to Uganda, select and bring out the first ACC. Each year a new group is selected, while the former members go back to Africa to receive care and a good education. This CD is from a live concert on January 14th, 2000, which marked the 15th anniversary of the Choir and once again highlighted the joy, enthusiasm, energy and optimism of this remarkable group of children. There are colorful, fold-out liner notes that have exuberant pictures of these beautiful, smiling-as-they-sing children to go with the celebration on the CD. 19 songs, most lightly accompanied by a small orchestra of keyboards, bass, guitar, drums, horns, flute and oboe. These are largely traditional spirituals and gospel songs, joyfully and beautifully sung: "Walking in the Light," "Full the River," "Mwiji Mwena," "He is my Light"äeach is a little rhythmic anthem. "This Little Light of Mine" sums up the concert, as the ACC truly lets it shine!

Gospel music is an integral part of everyday life in South Africa's urban townships and rural communities, and it constitutes one of the largest genre segments of the local recording industry. This widespread popularity has spilled over onto the international stage with groups and artists like Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Rebecca Malope. "The Rough Guide" brings together 22 powerful performances recorded over the last 40 years, in styles ranging from apostolic choirs to pop-influenced gospel divas. Some accompaniment. It's hard to pick favorites here, but "Bayahuba Abantwana" by St. Moses Choir, "Morena Boluka," by Amagugu Odumu, "Hamba Jona" by Michael Nkole & His Apostles, "Tumelo" by "I.P.C.C.," "Izindaba" by 12 Apostles Church Choir, ""There's Room Enough" by King's Messengers Quartet," "Hosanna Nkosi Yami" by Davey Angels, "Usizo Lwam" by Rebecca Malope, ""Ha Ba Tshela Jordane" by Holy Cross Choir, "Baba Wethu Singenile" by Ladysmith, "Ka Lifu Laka" by Z.C.C. Mukhukhu and "Wemngoma Lishonile" by Holy Spirits Choir are particularly wonderful. Spirited, joyful, rhythmic music from some of the best Gospel choirs and singers in the world that will have you singing along, boogying to the beat and feeling fine!

Listen to There's Room Enough in Real Audio.

Gospel music in Southern Africa came about through a fascinating synthesis of religious music brought to Africa by missionaries, and traditional African music styles. The majority of South Africans today are Christians. Apart from the recognised international denominations, there are thousands of colourful African Independent Churches. Every Sunday, in every town and village, different services are being held, and they are accompanied by music… a simple choir, a band with solo singers, some drums… a myriad of styles and languages Congregants can be seen under trees, on hills, from Johannesburg to Cape Town. And today, you will hear many influences… from American gospel to contemporary pop, as well as the original African roots.This selection presents some of the best of South African gospel today. The ZCC (Zion Christian Church) is the largest independent Christian Church in South Africa, numbering well over 4 million adherents. Their music is little heard, and we are privileged to have some ZCC tracks here. Steve Kekana is a pop icon in South Africa, here singing a gospel song. Other artists have been widely supported by the large South African gospel buying market, while the Soweto Gospel Choir has achieved amazing international recognition. Music styles range from South African pop, through traditional accompanied styles of hymn and gospel singing, to a cappella choir. This is joyful music, spiritually uplifting and colourful in the African way.

The Xhosa people of South Africa are known beyond their home shores by two things in particular: the ‘Click Song’ by Miriam Makeba, and their most famous son, Nelson Mandela. These 18 traditional songs are sung a cappella, sometimes call-and-response, sometimes beautiful four-part harmonies accompanied by stamping, clapping, ankle shakers, whistling… The songs tell about events such as weddings, hunting, spiritual matters, ethical issues, the pride of the people.

Once again we are provided the opportunity to expand our African a cappella horizons beyond Ladysmith Black Mambazo and other familiar artists. Voices of Africa introduces us to two choirs in two different styles. The Masibuyele Kujehova Choir was founded in 1988 to sing in their local congregation. As time went on they became immensely popular in part because they were an all female choir who sang in the traditionally male 'mbube' style. 'Mbube' is a four part harmony style of singing developed by Zulu miners in the early 1900's. Part of the Zulu singing traditions demanded a unique form of stamping dance to accompany the singing. As the white employers of the apartheid era didn't allow this noisy exuberant expression, a new dance was developed involving the stamping motions without the stamp. It became known as tip-toe music. Masibuyele became so popular that their first recording in 1994 went gold and now with four albums to their credit we are fortunate to have them available to the rest of the world. Chosen to share this compilation with Masibuyele is Laduma, an all male Sotho group. The members of Laduma are inspired to sing from and of their tradiditonal Sotho roots and describe the effects of the modern world on their culture. All the members of the group left their home towns to seek work in the gold mines of the Orange Free State. They began singing together four years ago with their initial goal being to entertain their fellow miners. As their style developed specifically within the mining community, it became another unique talent which has grown through further live performance and recording until they have established a strong following in the Sotho music scene. The vocal pyrotechnics are astounding and are accompanied by the occasional clicks and whistles found in traditions of Sotho singing. This recording is a wonderful way of expanding your ear's familiarity into one of the richest a cappella treasure troves in the world, South Africa.

6517 CD $14.98

Various Artist: Best Of Africa

Various Artists: Exotic Voices From Africa

This is an impressive two-CD set of some of the finest a cappella groups in Africa, including Ladysmith, Baswa Ba Tumelo (South African Zionist Church Choir), Zyac Choir (Zulu Church group), Maogane A Tumelo (N. Sotho Zion Church choir), Majalefa A Morena (South Sotho Choir), and ten others, including the Zulu a cappella group The King Star Brothers. There are 30 authentic tunes here, 15 on each side, sung by groups that are, individually, and collectively, the heart and soul of Africa. This is an important collection on many levels, and enjoyable for the listener fairly new to African music as well as to say, a Ladysmith fan who wants to hear some of the lesser-known, but often equally amazing, voices from Africa.

6742 2 CDs $17.98

Alexandra Youth Choir - South African Choral

The 34 mixed voices of the Johannesburg, South Africa-based Alexandra Youth Choir, directed by Mike Mncube (who does a lot of the group's arrangements), was called Realogile School Choir when it was formed in 1988. Usually AYCC performs a cappella, dancing and stamping their feet to give an extra kick to the performance. On "South African Choral" there is non-vocal percussion on several of the 20 cuts, and guitar, piano and sax on 3 cuts. Such instrumentation simply adds spice to the powerful, joyous, repetitive rhythms that course through this CD. "Uyamemeza," the traditional Xhosa song "Kunothixo Omkhulu," the traditional Zulu song "Iphi Imbiza Namhlanje," the traditional greeting song "Dumelang," the sweet spiritual "I Want to See," the Zulu song "Toffolux"”this is feel-good music.

6764 CD $15.98

David Fanshawe: African Sanctus

Armed with a rucksack and a stereo tape recorder, David Fanshawe began a symbolic, now legendary, cross-shaped journey through Africa from 1969 to 1972, succeeding in recording music from well over 50 tribes. "Sanctus" is a highly original work in which very different cultures have been imaginatively and ingeniously fused, with the composer's love of the world, hope for the future and belief in one music--one God. There are 16 songs, with various kinds of accompaniment, from drums and percussion, lead and bass guitar and piano to organ, harp and trumpets. This is one of the most spirited, energetic CDs we have ever heard, as if the African veldt suddenly sprouted an Italian cathedral. For instance, "Crucifixus: Rain Song" combines driving drums, rain sounds, strange native percussion instruments, a soaring choral soprano solo, electric guitar, massed chorus and piano. One of our favorites, "Sanctus: Bwala Dance, Lamentation" combines chorus with powerful rhythmic drums, piano, sound effects and native voices. Other favorites are "Chants: Cattle Songs," and "The Lord's Prayer." A wonderful new composition by the composer, "Dona Nobis Pacem-A Hymn for World Peace" is included, in both short and long versions. A stunning masterwork! Recommended.

6898 CD $15.98

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David Fanshawe: African Sanctus DVD

Herbert Chappell's highly acclaimed original BBC Film is the story of a remarkable journey made by the composer and explorer David Fanshawe which inspired his celebrated work African Sanctus. The film retraces his musical steps up the river Nile to the source of the Nile`s music. Featuring many of the original musicians he first recorded in 1969, Fanshawe explains the ethos behind his work and the process of composition. On a quest to find his African mentor, The Hippo Man, he ventures forth. The original film African Sanctus was the BBC nomination for the 1976 rix Italia Prize, nominated for the greatest creative contribution to television. The Updated Film, (Director Herbert Chappell 1995), projects stirring and poignant images of Africa, This film combines authentic footage spanning 20 years, with Fanshawe`s brilliant and innovative score. We see glimpses of the performance with The Bournemouth Symphony Chorus, Choristers of St Georges Cathedral, solo Wilhelmenia Fernandez, conducted by Neville Creed. The film also introduces Fanshawe`s new work Dona Nobis Pacem - A Hymn for World Peace. African Sanctus is a visionary work which expresses unity between diverse peoples their faiths and their music. African Sanctus is testimony to the rich heritage of world music and has became a landmark in our musical lives. 6898 DVD $24.95

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Shaka Zulu: Songs of King Shaka

This album presents songs from the time of King Shaka (1795-1828) as well as songs in his praise. The a cappella songs include war cries of the Zulu army, hunting songs, celebration songs and other traditional songs from the time of the Zulu kings. Two groups of traditional Zulu singers, Amagugu Akwazulu and Abalendeli Bengoma perform the 32 tracks. Amagugu Akwazulu is a group of the older members of a choir. Abelendeli Bengoma, a group of male singers, sing and perform traditional Zulu dance styles to great local acclaim. The informative booklet enclosed with the CD provides extensive information about the history and music, as well as each song. Some songs accompanied by stamping and clapping.

6903 CD $15.98

Miriam Makeba: Sangoma

By 1959, Miriam Makeba was a star in her homeland of South Africa for her singing, first with the Manhattan Brothers, her own group, the Skylarks, who sang a mix of jazz and folk music, touring the country with Alf Herbert's African Jazz & Variety show and finally as the lead in a jazz opera, King Kong. At the height of her popularity she went to Europe and met Harry Belafonte who convinced her to come to the U.S. In New York she played the big venues of the folk scare era and became nationally known after her appearances on the Steve Allen show. She had two huge hits, "The Click Song" and "Pata Pata." Always a woman of conscience she testified before the U.N. about apartheid and was banned from her homeland for more than thirty years. Sangoma is a tribute to her mother who was a traditional mystical healer, a sangoma. On this beautiful recording, each song was created by multi-tracking Miriam's voice to create a choir and then adding touches of percussion, additional vocalists, and occasionally keyboards. The results are an audio experience of the spirit of Africa.

8510 CD $14.98

Zambian Vocal Group: Zambian A Cappella

Ine Ndiri Paulendo (I'm On My Way) I Stand Amazed Swing Down Sweet Chariot How Great Thou Art I Shiwi Yaishile (The Word Came) Balesa (Lord God) Medley (Jesus Carries Alone/Harmony/Nobody Knows/I Want to Go to Heaven) When This Passing World is Done Hallelujah Chorus

What an absolute joy it is to hear this group of young men sing. The pure energy and feeling that they bring to the music is wonderful. This recording is a mix of spirituals and African songs written by member Daniel Mwanza. These pieces are a cappella with some percussion on the African songs. A special treat is their version of the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah. This CD is sure to lift your spirits.

Soweto Gospel Choir - Blessed

Shewane Asimbonanga/Biko Jiko Yahao A Place In Heaven Njalo I Bid You Goodnight LeLilungelo Ngelakho Oh Happy Day Noyana Masigiyae'bo Swing Down Weeping Thapelo Woza Meli Wami Mbube Tshepa Thapelo Khumbaya South African National Anthem

Soweto Gospel Choir is the most successful and exciting vocal group to emerge from South Africa Since Ladysmith Black Mambazo. "Blessed", a follow up to their number 1 Billboard World Charts debut album "Voices From Heaven," takes their irresistible blend of traditional South African music, gospel and inspirational pop one step further. With some awe-inspiring South African hymns and great versions of such classics as "Oh Happy Day," "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," and "Khumbaya." The Soweto Gospel Choir with their intricate harmonies and soulful singing will beckon all to reclaim their spirit.

Listen to Swing Down in Real Audio

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Ladysmith Black Mambazo has come to represent the traditional culture of South Africa in the eyes of many music fans worldwide. Their global recognition began with Paul Simon's Graceland album, continuing with Grammys for their unique blend of African rhythms and western pop! (All available Ladysmith recordings)

Anders Nyberg (Edited by): Freedom is Coming

Freedom Is Coming Asikhatali Gabi, Gabi Ipharadisi Singabahambayo Siph' amandla Akanamandla Bamthatha Vula Botha Shumayela Nkosi, Nkosi Siyahamba Haleluya! Pelo Tsa Rona Thuma Mina We Shall Not Give Up The Fight

15 moving songs from South Africa arranged for four-part voices, complete with a foreword, musical instructions, illustrations and commentary. SATB

9182 SONGBOOK $10.95

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Various: African A Cappella

African Processional E Oru O (Nigeria) Ning Wendete (Kenya) O Sinfuni Mungo An African Song Game (The Coca Cola Song) African Noel SATB

Selected for the Ron Kean Multicultural Series, "African Processional" utilizes sounds from African folk songs and a joyful chorus emerges with an occasional solo interjection. "Ning Wendete" is a traditional folk song from Kenya and is a conversation between a man and a woman. “I love you, but you do not love me. How is that? If you do not love me, you had better tell me so.” Dynamic contrast, percussion and a wide range of layered vocal textures make this an appealing concert choice. "The Coca Cola Song" is a playful contemporary African folksong and is a lot of fun to perform with layered vocal parts, African percussion, and humorous references to the choir members singing. Celebrative and highly rhythmic, “African Noel” shines with energy and excitment. Contrasting dynamics and optional percussion make this one a real creative and refreshing Christmas selection. Beautiful in its simplicity, your choir will have fun with this one!

2224 SHEETMUSIC $9.98

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Doreen Rao's Choral Music Experience: African Songs for Childrens Chorus

Ghana Alleluia (arr. Kathy Armstrong) Kenya Melodies (arr. Robert Hugh) Mbiri Kuna Mwari (Zimbabwe) arr. Lee Kesselman Thula, Babana - Xhosa Lulaby (arr. Hendrik Hofmeyr) African Celebration (arr. Stephen Hatfield) TREBLE VOICES

"Mbiri kuna Mwari" is composed in the spirit of choral music heard at the Episcopal Cathedral in Harare, Zimbabwe, in the summer of 1993. Shona is the majority tribe in Zimbabwe and its language. The text is the Shona translation of the opening section of the Gloria of the Mass Ordinary. This traditional lullaby, "Thula, Babana," is from the eastern coastal region of South Africa. The singular sweetness of the melody has made it a favorite with South African choirs and audiences. In this arrangement, the melody is repeated several times, passing from one voice to the other, with a gradual variation and accumulation of accompanying texture, before fading into silence. Also included in this package is "Ghana Alleluia," "Kenya Melodies," and "Afican Celebration."

9280 SHEET MUSIC $9.95

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David Fanshawe: African Sanctus

African Sanctus Kyrie: Call To Prayer Gloria: Bride of the Nile Credo: Sudanese Dances and Recitations Love Song Et In Spiritum Sanctum Crucifixus: Rain Song Sanctus: Bwala Dance Chants Agnus Dei Call To Prayer: Kyrie Finale & Gloria

Acclaimed by audiences and choral directors around the world, African Sanctus was premiered in 1973. It is an unorthodox setting of the Latin Mass integrated with authentic traditional African music recorded by the composer on his now legendary journeys up the river Nile through Egypt, Sudan, Uganda and Kenya.Contains the complete 13-movement work (SATB).

9439 SONGBOOK $9.95

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Various: The Folk Rhythm - South African Folk, Church and Protest Songs

Dithotonyana Fiela Hamba Ka Ncane Ikhon' I Ndawo Ithemba Lami Jo We Khotso Ya Morena Khutso Lesang Magwala A Cheche Matlakala Sesi We Skhandamayeza Thina Thina Sizwe E Zi Minyama Umandela Uth'a Ihlome The South African National Anthem

The result of months of collaborative work between Patty Cuyler (Village Harmony) and Matlaka Bopape (Polokwane Choral Society), The Folk Rhythm, Volume I is a choral director's dream. 16 rich, arresting songs arranged for SATB choir, accompanied by CDs to guide choruses toward an “authentic” sound (and, where appropriate, dancing) style. One of the main characteristics of South African folk and traditional music is the syncopated nature of rhythms, which often defy the measure system. An accompanying dance often adds a new rhythmic pattern to the mix, with song and dance together forming a complex and not easily defined rhythmic structure. Because of this, most songs are best understood through careful listening and close observation if one wants to capture the essence of the performance. Recordings and video therefore accompany Folk Rhythm , to assist in this regard, as notation alone cannot adequately capture all these nuances of the rich South African folk music tradition.

8414 SONGBOOK & CDs $39.95

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Various: African Folk Songs Vol 1

Two South African Folk Songs, arr. Bruce More -Shweelo ellee makanana (See, coming at a distance, the German ship) -Tulan, numamele! (Keep quiet and listen!) Kpanlongo, arr. Derek Bermel Freedom Come, arr. Ben Allaway SATB

The first two South African Folk Songs are in Shangani. The first seems to be in recognition of the arrival of the first white settlers off the west coast of Africa, ostensibly in the 17th century. The second, Tulan, Nimamele!, speaks for itself. They are both best done in a strong, boisterous fashion. Freedom Come is The closing movement of Bandari: Inside These Walls, a five-movement work encompassing a variety of African styles and combining Swahili and English texts. Freedom Come is written in the style of a South African freedom song; it creates an atmosphere in which hope can increase, healing can occur, and connections to our common humanity can be strengthened.

9454 SHEET MUSIC $4.95

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Various: African Folk Songs Vol 2

An Afro-Celtic Diddle, by Michael Coolen One by One (Rhythm of the Pridelands), arr. John Leavitt Dubula, arr. Stephen Hatfield Wimoweh (Mbube), arr. David Dusing Hamba Lulu (Five African Songs), arr. Mike Brewer Mangwani M'pulele O-re-mi Asikha thali Hamba Lulu Karanga Walking Song African Celebration, arr. Stephen Hatfield SATB

Two distinctive cultures combine in the unique choral change-of-pace known as 'An Afro-Celtic Diddle.; Featuring African percussion and Irish-inspired vocals, this delightful piece is fun, fun, fun! Disney's powerful African song, 'One by One.' will bring down the house. 'Dubula' is a folk song of the Xhosa people of South Africa. The style is boisterous, party-hardy and open-throated. The South African Zulu song, 'Womoweh (Mbube),' was first recorded in the early 1940s by Solomon Linda. Pete Seeger later transcribed the song for The Weavers. Once adapted to their own style, it become one of their greatest hits. The Five African songs in 'Hamba Lulu' have a rhythmic energy that propels the music and stirs the human spirit. With a variety of performance options, this collection will be an outstanding addition to your choral library. Stephen Hatfield's fun tune, 'African Celebration' is gem that can be used in any concert series needing that extra world music flavor, it comes complete with a pronunciation guide to help you and your choir learn the music!

9526 SHEET MUSIC $14.95

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Dan Damon: Njalo (Always)

Always God, We Thank You If The Lord Would Appear Before Me He Is There Forever Let Us Praise The Lord Our God There's No One In The World Like Jesus If I'm Without Love This Is Not Our Homeland Holy Spirit Come By Here Shepard God To You We Pray I Have A Good Friend It's Jesus The Light Of God Comes Those Who Wait Upon The Lord Behold Life Is Broken At It's Core

"Njalo" is a 16 song glimpse into the world of Christianity as it presently exists in the African tradition. The production of this book was a cross-cultural collaboration between Patrick Matsikenyiri, a Zimbabwan missionary and Dan Damon, who provided very singable, English translations of these songs. Together, they created a volume with a variety of worship expressions, including songs of praise ("Baningyeti Bayawe"), thanksgiving ("Wonai"), invocation ("Mweya Mutsvene Uyai Pano"), and commitment ("Ndai Wona Hama Yakanaka"). These songs also bear the brokeness of Zimbabwean society where so many people live under the burdens of political oppression, economical turmoil, family brokeness, and the scourge of HIV/AIDS. See especially "Zviro Zvacho Zvanyanya."

9451 SONGBOOK & CD $9.95

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Various Arrangers: Praise and Worship Songs from Africa

Selections from African Sanctus, by David Fanshawe The Lord's Prayer Kyrie: Call to Prayer Kyrie African Sanctus Finale and Gloria South African Praises, Selections from Anders Nyberg's 'Freedom is Coming,' arr. Stephan P. Barnicle Thuma Mina Halleluya! Pelo Tsa Rona Singabahambayo SATB

Acclaimed by audiences and choral directors around the world, African Sanctus was premiered in 1973. It is an unorthodox setting of the Latin Mass integrated with authentic traditional African music recorded by the composer on his now legendary journeys up the river Nile through Egypt, Sudan, Uganda and Kenya, here you can have your hand at 4 movements from this amazing work! South African Praises is a trilogy of songs taken form the collection 'Freedom Is Coming, Songs of Protest and Praise from South Africa,' colelcted and edited by Anders Nyberg. These three prayers are intended to begin as a simple litany asking God for motivation, guidance, and healing. petitions may be added, deleted or repeated as desired depending on the setting in which they are used. This is a fun and educational collection of music!

9527 SHEETMUSIC $9.95

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