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Funga Alafia

Lyrics - Yoruba

(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

  • Harmony: I, V / Orff
  • Melody: G,A,C (recorder part)
  • Meter: 4
  • Rhythm: syncopation
  • Scale: pentatonic
  • Tones: drmsld’
  • Source info: The article, Fanga Alafia: History and Meaning, by Robert Damm (The Orff Echo, Winter 2011), states that there are two claims to authorship: LaRoque Bey and Babatunde Olatunji. To date, I have not found any record of a copyright.
  • info about the song
  • Song with similar tune: Lil’ Liza Jane

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Funga Alafia visuals-bn
  • PDF of song with chords + Lesson ideas + Orff arrangement
  • MIDI file
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4 Comments
Angie
7 years ago

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
Beth Thompson
Author
Reply to  Angie
7 years ago

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
7 years ago

This is a very lovely song!!!

Reply
Beth Thompson
Author
Reply to  Madelynn
7 years ago

I agree! It’s easy to teach also!

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