African Harmonies

African harmonies are songs sung in several parts at once, with different voices weaving together to make one big, rich sound. The style comes from the folk and gospel traditions of Southern Africa, sung in languages such as Zulu, Shona, Ndebele and Setswana. The songs are usually taught by ear, so there's no sheet music to read. You simply listen, copy and join in.

Singing together has long been part of everyday life across Southern Africa. Songs are shared at celebrations, in churches, at work and around the fire, and many are passed down from one generation to the next without ever being written down.

Zulu is spoken mainly in South Africa, Shona and Ndebele in Zimbabwe and Setswana in Botswana. Each language has its own sounds and rhythms, and some songs add claps, sways and gentle stepping as part of the music.

In part singing, the group splits into sections and each one sings a different line. One part carries the tune while the others sing higher or lower notes that fit around it. On their own, the lines can sound quite simple. Put them together and they turn into a harmony that fills the air. Many songs use call and response, where a leader sings a line and everyone answers back, which makes them easy to pick up.

Your Activity Leader teaches each part by ear, a line at a time. You'll listen, sing it back and repeat it until it feels familiar. Along the way you might learn what the words mean and a little about where each song comes from. Then the parts are layered one on top of another, and there's a wonderful moment when the whole group hears the harmony come together.

Yes, and it's one of the loveliest things to do together. Grown-ups and children can sing side by side, with younger voices often taking a higher line while adults add the lower notes. You don't need to read music or have sung in a choir before. If you can listen and copy, you can join in. Shy singers are very welcome too, as it's much easier to find your voice when everyone around you is singing.

You might also like Pop Choir, Sign Language and Junkyard Percussion.

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