Work and Dance Songs from Kenya

David Nzomo had already recorded several albums of Kenyan music for Folkways, including 1965’s Songs from Kenya, 1970’s African Rhythms: Songs from Kenya, and 1973’s African Politics: More Songs from Kenya, when he recorded this set of traditional Kenyan work and dance songs. In his liner notes, Nzomo writes, “Generally, African traditional music is functional. Thus songs are either Work Songs, Dance Songs, Play Songs, etc.” Before he performs each song, Nzomo explains its specific function, though some songs are said to be useful for a variety of functions. Nzomo is accompanied by a chorus of singers on most songs, many of which use a call-and-response form. Liner notes include a dedication, a foreword, and lyrics.

Track Listing

101	Ivinda ya Mbua - Farm Work Song	David Nzomo	03:23
102	Wamama - Rhythm Work Song	David Nzomo	03:17
103	Ndavu Yakwa - Work Song	David Nzomo	03:34
104	Ndumane Muyale - Harvest Song	David Nzomo	02:54
105	Mwiitu wa Mumbwa - Women Song	David Nzomo	02:44
106	Itumbi ya Nyaa - Divorce Song	David Nzomo	02:07
201	Nzin'ang'a - Call and Response	David Nzomo	03:53
202	Katanga Nduli - Dance Song for the Young	David Nzomo	02:11
203	Twakinya ya Masaku - Dance Song for the Old	David Nzomo	03:17
204	Ngingo Tikili - Moral Dance Song	David Nzomo	02:30
205	Oki na ki Ndukatavanie - Group Song	David Nzomo	02:26
206	Sangalala - Moral Song	David Nzomo	02:43