Funga Alafia

folk song / traditional, Orff, visuals

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)

YouTube

Extras for Plus Members

or purchase here or here (printables only)

Printable & Digital Visuals

PDF of song with chords + Lesson ideas + Orff arrangement
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