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Bantu Choral Folk Songs

The Song Swappers and Pete Seeger
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

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