Adomba
- Authors: Njenje abd Tipoyi carriers , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1952
- Subjects: Folk songs, Mangbetu , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Democratic Republic of Congo Medje f-cg
- Language: Mangbetu
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/166879 , vital:41414 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR0120-15
- Description: "What a liar." Chorus: "Yes indeed, what a terrible liar." (Meant humourously). An attractive chorus with trypical declining melody almost like a series of yodels. Tipoyi carrying song with basket rattle.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1952
Amyindre dobuzindrine
- Authors: Njenje abd Tipoyi carriers , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1952
- Subjects: Folk songs, Mangbetu , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Democratic Republic of Congo Medje f-cg
- Language: Mangbetu
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/166870 , vital:41413 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR0120-14
- Description: "I shall be all alone, when I lie in the grave." The theme of death is common in songs of this part of the Congo and also in Uganda. Until recently the Medje were notorious for cannibalism. Strangers, it is said, had little chance of emerging from the Medje palm forests alive or enjoying a lonely grave. Tipoyi carrying song with basket rattle.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1952
Andanyero mamamba
- Authors: Ebogoma Gabriel , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1952
- Subjects: Folk songs, Mangbetu , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Democratic Republic of Congo Medje f-cg
- Language: Mangbetu
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/166860 , vital:41412 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR0120-13
- Description: Likembe songs such as this are the delight of the evening audiences in the huts at night. The subtle changes of rhythm enhance its otherwise simple theme. He re-tuned his instrument for this song as follows:- 800, 608, 488, 324, 276, 244, 400, 544, 656, 712, 364. (552) (648) (728). This scale was knocked slightly out of tune during playing. (See notes in brackets). There appears to be a note missing between 488 vs, and 400 vs. - unless the player deliberatly requred s hexatonic mode. Topical song wih Neikembe, Likembe.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1952
Announcing a death
- Authors: Drummers of Chief Mongika , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1952
- Subjects: Folk songs, Mangbetu , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Democratic Republic of Congo Gombari f-cg
- Language: Mangbetu
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/169089 , vital:41683 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR0129-06
- Description: Away from the Congo river itself it appears that the art of sending drum messages deteriorates into the sendng of signals only, the former being based upon the tonality of the individual words comprising the sentences transmitted, the latter comprising pre-set phrases and rhythms to which certain significance is attached. The signals may have risen from messages in the past but the skill of 'talking' on the drums has almost if not entirely vanished among the Mangbele. The significance ofthe 'Tamatsaro' signal was not explained. Drum rhythms or signals with 2 slit drums, 2 large pod shaped slit drums, 2 long cyclindrical drums.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1952
Apegale
- Authors: Barambo soilders and women , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1952
- Subjects: Folk songs, Mangbetu , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Democratic Republic of Congo Poko f-cg
- Language: Ngbandi
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/166989 , vital:41426 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR0121-12
- Description: No details of the instruments tuning were taken at the time except to note that they conformed to the usual likembe pattern, box body, bass notes central in the array, with a single low note to one side of the single manual. Dance tunes with 2 Likembe and a conical laced drum.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1952
Arimau
- Authors: Njenje and Medje tipoyi carriers , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1952
- Subjects: Folk songs, Mangbetu , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Democratic Republic of Congo Medje f-cg
- Language: Mangbetu
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/166797 , vital:41405 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR0120-06
- Description: "We are the Tipoyi carriers of the Chief." This song was performed by the tipoyi carriers of Chief Ebandrombi. In this heavily wooded country of central and north eastern Congo most of the Chiefs, notables and officials use the sedanchair as their principal means of transport along the narrow forest paths. This is an attractive melody reminiscent of melodies composed by the Bemba of Northern Rhodesia which are also characterized by singing in parallel thirds. Work song with basket rattle.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1952
Ayambungu
- Authors: Zayi Pierre and Bodagi Alias and Ngbandi men , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1952
- Subjects: Folk songs, Mangbetu , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Democratic Republic of Congo Ubangi f-cg
- Language: Ngbandi
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/166971 , vital:41424 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR0121-10
- Description: "If ever I have a man out in prison I shall take him to the tribunal first." The tuning of bamboo notes is not easy as with metal notes on account of the nature of the overtones produced by bamboo. The tuning of these Ngombi Likembe was not quite the same as in the previous items, the reeds of bamboo from left to right was 236, 152, 212, 138, 200, 182, 166 and 332 vs. which gives a heptatonic scale:- 332, (304), (276), 236, 212, 200, 182, 166, 152, 138 vs. The top of this bowl shaped likembe was sewn onto the body which was made from a solid log hollowed out like a bowl with an 8" handle. The body was 21" broad and 7" deep. Topical song with Ngombi Likembe with bamboo notes.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1952
Azaringwagate
- Authors: Ebogoma Gabriel , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1952
- Subjects: Folk songs, Mangbetu , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Democratic Republic of Congo Medje f-cg
- Language: Mangbetu
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/166851 , vital:41411 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR0120-12
- Description: Likembe songs such as this are the delight of the evening audiences in the huts at night. The subtle changes of rhythm enhance its otherwise simple theme. He re-tuned his instrument for this song as follows:- 800, 608, 488, 324, 276, 244, 400, 544, 656, 712, 364. (552) (648) (728). This scale was knocked slightly out of tune during playing. (See notes in brackets). There appears to be a note missing between 488 vs, and 400 vs. - unless the player deliberatly requred s hexatonic mode. Topical song wih Neikembe, Likembe.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1952
Bagangali
- Authors: Bakia Pierre , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1952
- Subjects: Folk songs, Mangbetu , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Democratic Republic of Congo Buta f-cg
- Language: Zande/Bandiya
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167368 , vital:41472 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR0122-05
- Description: "I am the only son of my father. My wife, laugh just once so that I may see your teeth." Ngbanda Mandefu, the other harp player, a tall bearded man got up and danced in a style reminiscent of a Cossack dance, snapping his fingers and stamping now and then. Bakia Pierre is a large quietly spoken man who works in a Portuguese butchers shop in the small town of Buta. His songs were greeted with great applause and satisfaction by his fellow Zande in the circle. Topical song, with vertical angular Kundi harp, 5 strings.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1952
Bia ku ngbazua
- Authors: Mulapala Kpeli, with Chief Gatanga, Mongonika and Zande men , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1952
- Subjects: Folk songs, Mangbetu , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Democratic Republic of Congo Buta f-cg
- Language: Zande/Bandiya
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167359 , vital:41471 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR0122-04
- Description: "A soilder of Ngbazu (Chief Gatanga's father) reported to Ngbazua's elder brother Dagatanga, also a Chief that Ngbzua would not listen to Dagatanga's advice. Dagatanga was offended and the incident gave rise to much trouble." The tuning of the harp includes five notes of a pentatonic scale, the octave above the tonic being omitted. These Zande harp songs seem to slide into an informal start, the singers taking their time into the swing of the melody. Topical song, vertical angular Kundi harp, 5 strings.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1952
Bia kundi
- Authors: Muyapala Kpeli , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1952
- Subjects: Folk songs, Mangbetu , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Democratic Republic of Congo Buta f-cg
- Language: Zande/Bandiya
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167404 , vital:41476 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR0122-09
- Description: Unlike most harps of this design, this one was held upright with the point of the body on the performers knees, the neck pointing away from him, the strings in a vertical postition and not horizontal. They do not hold their tuning for long and must be returned before each performance. Long song with vertical, angular Kundi harp of 5 strings. and Andzolo metal hand bells.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1952
Birikandratu mapa
- Authors: Ndolomu Mopamu , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1952
- Subjects: Folk songs, Mangbetu , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Democratic Republic of Congo Medje f-cg
- Language: Mangbetu
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/166944 , vital:41421 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR0121-07
- Description: "I am very happy when I drink because I like beer." The lute accompaniment appears to be more of a rythmic ground than a melodic counterpoint. Drinking song with Nenjenje lute, two strings.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1952
Call for circumcision
- Authors: Drummers of Chief Mongika , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1952
- Subjects: Folk songs, Mangbetu , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Democratic Republic of Congo Gombari f-cg
- Language: Mangbetu
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/169108 , vital:41685 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR0129-06
- Description: Away from the Congo river itself it appears that the art of sending drum messages deteriorates into the sendng of signals only, the former being based upon the tonality of the individual words comprising the sentences transmitted, the latter comprising pre-set phrases and rhythms to which certain significance is attached. The signals may have risen from messages in the past but the skill of 'talking' on the drums has almost if not entirely vanished among the Mangbele. The significance ofthe 'Tamatsaro' signal was not explained. Drum rhythms or signals with 2 slit drums, 2 large pod shaped slit drums, 2 long cyclindrical drums.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1952
Call to war
- Authors: Drummers of Chief Mongika , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1952
- Subjects: Folk songs, Mangbetu , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Democratic Republic of Congo Gombari f-cg
- Language: Mangbetu
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/169075 , vital:41681 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR0129-02
- Description: Away from the Congo river itself it appears that the art of sending drum messages deteriorates into the sendng of signals only, the former being based upon the tonality of the individual words comprising the sentences transmitted, the latter comprising pre-set phrases and rhythms to which certain significance is attached. The signals may have risen from messages in the past but the skill of 'talking' on the drums has almost if not entirely vanished among the Mangbele. The significance ofthe 'Tamatsaro' signal was not explained. Drum rhythms or signals with 2 slit drums, 2 large pod shaped slit drums, 2 long cyclindrical drums.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1952
Chief summoning his people
- Authors: Drummers of Chief Mongika , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1952
- Subjects: Folk songs, Mangbetu , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Democratic Republic of Congo Gombari f-cg
- Language: Mangbetu
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/169084 , vital:41682 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR0129-03
- Description: Away from the Congo river itself it appears that the art of sending drum messages deteriorates into the sendng of signals only, the former being based upon the tonality of the individual words comprising the sentences transmitted, the latter comprising pre-set phrases and rhythms to which certain significance is attached. The signals may have risen from messages in the past but the skill of 'talking' on the drums has almost if not entirely vanished among the Mangbele. The significance ofthe 'Tamatsaro' signal was not explained. Drum rhythms or signals with 2 slit drums, 2 large pod shaped slit drums, 2 long cyclindrical drums.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1952
Dekuku na degusiya kimakoyo
- Authors: Bakia Pierre , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1952
- Subjects: Folk songs, Mangbetu , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Democratic Republic of Congo Buta f-cg
- Language: Zande/Bandiya
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167377 , vital:41473 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR0122-06
- Description: "He took a wife chosen from amongst the girls of his own village, when she was very young, but another man stole her away from him." Ngbanda Mandefu, the other harp player, a tall bearded man got up and danced in a style reminiscent of a Cossack dance, snapping his fingers and stamping now and then. Bakia Pierre is a large quietly spoken man who works in a Portuguese butchers shop in the small town of Buta. His songs were greeted with great applause and satisfaction by his fellow Zande in the circle. Topical song, with vertical angular Kundi harp, 5 strings.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1952
Dzoli
- Authors: Ebogoma Gabriel , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1952
- Subjects: Folk songs, Mangbetu , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Democratic Republic of Congo Medje f-cg
- Language: Mangbetu
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/166838 , vital:41410 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR0120-11
- Description: A brave little marching tune and song, very simple by utterly African. The tuning of the Neikembe was:- 640, 592, 528, 480, 432, 396, 360, 320, 264, 216 vs. The player was given a "Highly Commended" prize in the 1952 Osborn Awards for the best African musician of the year. Topical song with Neikembe likembe.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1952
Gitare na Congo
- Authors: Bakia Pierre , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1952
- Subjects: Folk songs, Mangbetu , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Democratic Republic of Congo Buta f-cg
- Language: Zande/Bandiya
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167395 , vital:41475 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR0122-08
- Description: The 'guitar' alluded to in the song is the Kundi. The song is about a blacksmith who beat on his anvil and sang as he did so saying: "My anvil is the real 'guitar' of the Congo. I play it to show how I love my work." It is in this Northern district of the Congo that the art of blacksmithing is unsurpassed. The decorative spears and knives are the pride of the people and feature largely in the list of social and marriage gifts between familes. The singer was given a highly commended prize for this item in the 1952 Osborn Awards for the best African musician of the year. Topical song with Kundi vertical angular harp, 5 strings.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1952
Gumbo nangbolanda seyadi
- Authors: Ngbanda Mandefu and Kumbazingi Louis , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1952
- Subjects: Folk songs, Mangbetu , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Democratic Republic of Congo Buta f-cg
- Language: Zande
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167026 , vital:41431 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR0121-17
- Description: These words are taken from a local popular song. This is a cheerful little tune with typical Zande lilt. The people sitting nearyby began to sing to the second tune which is a well known piece in that village. The tuning of the Isanzo was pentatonic, the scale being 624, 536, 448, 392, 328, 292, 268, 224, 196, 164 vs. The player said he was not able to sing and play at the same time. Tune played on Isanzo likembe (Mbira) of 10 notes.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1952
Jimbo ya Ebogoma
- Authors: Ebogoma Gabriel , Hugh Tracey
- Date: 1952
- Subjects: Folk songs, Mangbetu , Folk music , Field recordings , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Africa Democratic Republic of Congo Medje f-cg
- Language: Mangbetu
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/166814 , vital:41407 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , TR0120-08
- Description: The singer learnt to play the Neikembe in 1945 at Medje. Both tunes have attractive simple little accompaniments, ideal for this kind of song. The tuning of the Neilembe from left to right. First tuning:- 640, 528, 432, 320, 264, 216, 396, 480, 592, 720. 360. Second tuning:- 800, 608, 488, 324, 276, 244, 400, 544, 656, 712, 364. Topical song with Neikembe, box resonated Likembe.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1952