Kwanzaa Song Choir - Sheet Music

SKU: CF.BL1362

UPC: 680160927470. Key: C major. English,Swahili.

This lively piece, composed for two parts with a descant, should be sung with joy and exuberance, demonstrating a spirit of unity. Throughout the song English is combined with Swahili phrases that encompass the principles of Kwanzaa. Even though these phrases come from the African American Kwanzaa celebration, EVERYONE can follow these principles to become more compassionate humans, and to make the world a better place. Kwanzaa is a time to celebrate African and African American heritage, and their contributions across the world, and to connect with others. Kwanzaa celebrations across the country bring together people of every ethnicity, race and religion to celebrate love, community, and culture.
Background Kwanzaa is a 7-day, African American cultural holiday, celebrated each year beginning on December 26th, through January 1st. Kwanzaa was created in the 1960’s by activist Maulana Karenga, as a way of bringing together and empowering the African American community. Kwanzaa gets its name from the Swahili phrase, “matunda ya kwanza,” meaning, “first fruits.” It is rooted in the first fruits of the harvest celebrations found in cultures throughout Africa. The first-ever Kwanzaa celebration was in 1966.Kwanzaa is centered around 7 principles:1. Umoja (oo-móh-jah) - unity2. Kujichagulia (koo-jee-chah-goo-lée-yah) - self determination3. Ujima (oo-jée-mah) - collective work and responsibility4. Ujamaa (oo-jah-máh) - cooperative economics5. Nia (née-yah) - purpose6. Kuumba (koh-óom-bah) - creativity7. Imani (ee-máh-nee) - faithEach day of Kwanzaa focuses on one of these principles, and though they come from the African American Kwanzaa celebration, EVERYONE can follow these principles to become more compassionate humans, and to make the world a better place. Kwanzaa is a time to celebrate African and African American heritage, and their contributions across the world, and to connect with others. Kwanzaa celebrations across the country bring together people of every ethnicity, race and religion to celebrate love, community, and culture.“Kwanzaa Song” is composed with two parts with a descant, using any voicing that best suits your choral ensemble. It should be sung with joy and exuberance, demonstrating a spirit of unity.