Lyrics

(Composer uncertain: LaRoque Bey or Babatunde Olatunji

Funga alafia,
ashay, ashay (repeat)

English Translation

Apparently, the more accurate spelling of “funga” is “fanga,” and “ashay” is “asé” (source).
Fanga = “talking drum” in northern Liberia
Alafia = “health” in Yoruba (Nigeria)
Asé = Let it be so, or the English word “amen” in Yoruba (Nigeria)
(source)

See also

YouTube

or purchase here or here (printables only)

  • Printable & Digital Rhythm Visual
  • Song with chords, Orff Arrangement with Recorder Part (notes G, A, C’), Student copies
  • MIDI file
  • Listen to the song

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4 thoughts on “Funga Alafia”

  1. Hi Beth!
    Do you have sheet music for the first Funga Alafia video? It sounds cool, but I’d love to see it!

    -Angie

    1. Hi Angie! I don’t have this Orff arrangement. It looks like it was part of an Orff 2 training class, so someone must own the rights to this arrangement. Maybe it’s even published somewhere.

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