Abayudaya: Music From The Jewish People Of Uganda CD

This remarkable and unique Smithsonian Folkways disc captures the music of the Abayudaya, a small community of African-Jewish people living in Uganda. With the exception of a couple of Afropop-inspired, dance-oriented songs driven by synthesized drums, the album is largely acoustic. Solo artists and choral groups, featuring different configurations of children and adults, perform a cappella, or are backed on occasion by acoustic guitars and drums. The songs are sung in various Ugandan dialects, English, and Hebrew.

The program ranges from psalms ("Psalm 136"), traditional Hebrew prayers ("Kiddush and Motzi"), Abayudaya devotional songs ("Twangala Torah," which translates as "We love the Torah"), cosmological narratives ("Hiwumbe Awumba"), and lullabies ("Mwana, Ngolera"). These organic recordings are quite beautiful, and the gentle, surging harmonies created by these groups generate an atmosphere of warmth, joy, and thoughtful celebration.

Adapter: Semei Kakungulu.

Personnel: Richard Kasakya (vocals, guitar); John Mark Nkoola (vocals, keyboards); Eria Majanga, Rachel Namudosi, Uri Katula, J.J. Keki, Bagisu Women, Samson Mugombe, Enosh Keki Mainah, Abayudaya Schoolchildren, Michael Mawoni, Devorah, Aaron Kintu Moses, Tziporah Naisi, Seth Ben Jonadav, Jacob Mwosuko, Nasenyi Community, Aaron Naome, Phyllis Nafuna, Rena Bat Esther, Norah Nantabo (vocals).

Recording information: Mbale, Uganda, Africa (01/2002); Nabogoya Hill, Uganda, Africa (01/2002); Namanyonyi, Uganda, Africa (01/2002); Namatumba, Uganda, Africa (01/2002); Nangolo, Uganda, Africa (01/2002); Nasenyi, Uganda, Africa (01/2002).

Translators: J.J. Keki; Dennis Bogere.