Bantu Choral Folk Songs

This treasury of Bantu folk songs is unique among Pete Seeger’s Folkways’ recordings—not because of its interpretation of Bantu choral polyphony, but rather because of the dialogue it creates between the folk music of South Africa and the United States. Seeger’s arrangements for the American high school choral group the Song Swappers contain several changes which allow the Bantu music to fall more neatly into the American folk tradition, including lively banjo accompaniment, adjustments in rhythm and harmony, and newly composed English lyrics in two of the pieces. Liner notes include a foreword by Richard A. Waterman, an introduction by Pete Seeger, partial text translations, and notation for each choral arrangement.

Track Listing

101	Babevuya - Wedding Song	The Song Swappers and Pete Seeger	01:45
102	Isileyi Sam - Wedding Song	The Song Swappers and Pete Seeger	01:13
103	Manamolela - Work Song	The Song Swappers and Pete Seeger	01:28
104	Abiyoyo	The Song Swappers and Pete Seeger	04:32
201	Bayeza - Invocation	The Song Swappers and Pete Seeger	01:59
202	Hey, Tswana - Boy's Initiation	The Song Swappers and Pete Seeger	01:50
203	Somagwaza - Boy's Initiation	The Song Swappers and Pete Seeger	01:09
204	Bayandoyika - Girl's Work Song	The Song Swappers and Pete Seeger	01:52
205	Hey, Motsoala - Wedding Song	The Song Swappers and Pete Seeger	01:29
206	Here's to the Couple - Wedding Song	The Song Swappers and Pete Seeger	01:50