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 | 3:23 | |
102
|
Wamama - Rhythm Work Song | David Nzomo | 3:17 | |
103
|
Ndavu Yakwa - Work Song | David Nzomo | 3:34 | |
104
|
Ndumane Muyale - Harvest Song | David Nzomo | 2:54 | |
105
|
Mwiitu wa Mumbwa - Women Song | David Nzomo | 2:44 | |
106
|
Itumbi ya Nyaa - Divorce Song | David Nzomo | 2:07 | |
201
|
Nzin'ang'a - Call and Response | David Nzomo | 3:53 | |
202
|
Katanga Nduli - Dance Song for the Young | David Nzomo | 2:11 | |
203
|
Twakinya ya Masaku - Dance Song for the Old | David Nzomo | 3:17 | |
204
|
Ngingo Tikili - Moral Dance Song | David Nzomo | 2:30 | |
205
|
Oki na ki Ndukatavanie - Group Song | David Nzomo | 2:26 | |
206
|
Sangalala - Moral Song | David Nzomo | 2:43 |