Funga Alafia

folk song, Orff, recorders, visuals

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)

YouTube

Extras for Plus Members

(or available for purchase here or here)

Printable & Digital Rhythm Visual

Song with chords, Orff Arrangement with Recorder Part (notes G, A, C’), Student copies
MIDI file
Listen to the song

Extras for Plus Members

Song with chords (PDF)
MIDI file
Listen to the song

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4 thoughts on “Funga Alafia”

Angie
August 30, 2018 at 7:46 am

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

-Angie

Reply
1. Beth Thompson
  August 30, 2018 at 9:04 am
  
  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.
  
  Reply
Madelynn
November 9, 2018 at 2:37 pm

This is a very lovely song!!!

Reply
1. Beth Thompson
  November 9, 2018 at 6:20 pm
  
  I agree! It’s easy to teach also!
  
  Reply