SANYU - African Songs - John Sendaula, Rose Sendaula

SANYU – African Songs

Simanyi Ky’Olowooza – Jangu, Jangu – Samu – Ali Omu – Joyi – Abo Bakulimba – Abavubuka Abavubuse – Wajjangala – Tiriri – Abajulizi – Ninda Lumu – Ulevi Ulevi

John Sendaula, Rose Sendaula

John Sendaula is one of Uganda’s foremost composers and musicians, who, like Bartók and Kodály in Hungary, has dedicated his life to collecting and transcribing African traditional music.

The artist is joined here by his wife Rose, a talented singer. Together, they perform the remarkable feat of singing and playing a variety of instruments. As listeners hear these unusual tone colors and melodic figures, they will notice both the similarities and differences between Western and African musical idioms.

John Sendaula has gained recognition in Europe and America through his concert appearances and performances on radio and television. In 1967, he and his brother Benny won first prize at the International Folklore Music Festival in Cologne, West Germany.

The songs selected for this record express a wide range of emotions. A brief summary of the lyrics will provide the listener with an understanding of the content of each song.

SIDE A

SIMANYI KY’OLOWOOZA
A wife is confused because her husband, who was expected back home after a year working in Nairobi and Mombasa, continues to wander aimlessly, even without employment. In sorrow, she pleads with him to return for the sake of their love.

JANGU, JANGU
A mother is in the plantation digging up sweet potatoes when her daughter suddenly arrives to inform her about a present from Daddy. The sweet potatoes must be abandoned and replaced by other vegetables to complement Daddy’s present (meat) for lunch.

BYE BYE SAMU
Love without affection is unbearable. Samu is abandoned by his girlfriend because of his lack of tenderness.

ALI OMU
He is the Only One, the Creator of heaven and earth. He came to redeem us, and He was born in Bethlehem.

JOYI
A young man expresses his deep love for his sweetheart Joyce, a beauty in every respect.

ABO BAKULIMBA
A deserted husband, filled with despair, calls on his beloved wife to return home and peacefully continue their marriage. The woman left him after hearing rumors that he had other lovers.

SIDE B

ABAVUBUKA ABAVUBUSE
You, the youth, always give respect to your parents. Remember that they raised you.

WAJJANGALA
Death is inevitable. A time will come when death will reach you, no matter where you are—whether rich or poor. What a dreadful enemy death is!

TIRIRI
Let me sing Tiriri, for I am unfortunate. Life without success is a great burden. Nobody loves me because I am poor. Oh! What else can I do but sing Tiriri?

ABAJULIZI (UGANDA MARTYRS)
We admire the great courage of the Uganda Martyrs, who gave their lives for their faith.

NINDA LUMU
A couple, eager for their wedding day, imagines how beautiful they will look and how everyone will admire them.

ULEVI ULEVI
Constant drunkenness will ruin your life.