Mwana Wangu Wakura
Backgroud
This song is usually sung by mothers stating that raising a child is not an easy task. A parental prayer for their children, it is every parent's desire and wish to have their children move into success. As a proud parent, they celebrate their succsesful child by telling others to come and see! Direct English Translation:
Leader: My Child is grown up, parenting is not easy Response: Come and See Shona Lyrics
Mwana Wangu Wakura
Kurera Haizi Nyore
Response: Huya Uwone
Pronunciation Guide
Mwah Nah – Wang – Gu – Wah Kuh – RahKoo-Reh-Rah, Hai-ee-Zee – Nyour-Reh Response: Who-Ya -Oo-Who-neh
Mr Herema teaches this primary school music class to sing the traditional Zimbabwean folk song 'Mwana Mwangu Wakura' accompanied by a simple Marimba line
Nyunga-Nyunga Mbira Tutorial
Mbira Dzenharira, Mbira Spirit and Bereka performing their version of Mwana Mwangu Wakura
Lesson Plan: Teaching the Zimbabwean Song "Mwana Wangu Wakura"
Objective: Students will learn and perform the Zimbabwean song that celebrates the success of a child and acknowledges the challenges of parenting.
Duration: Approximately 30 minutes
Materials Needed:
Lyrics of the song (English translation and Shona lyrics)
Pronunciation guide
All provided on the Zimbabwe Folk Songs Website
Procedure:
Introduction (5 minutes):
Begin by discussing the theme of the song with the students: the challenges of parenting and the celebration of a successful child.
Encourage students to share their thoughts on the topic and any personal experiences they may have related to it.
Learning the Lyrics (5 minutes):
Display the English translation and Shona lyrics of the song on the board or printable handouts.
Pronounce and explain the meaning of the lyrics to the students.
Practice reading and repeating the lyrics together, focusing on correct pronunciation.
Understanding the Rhythms (5 minutes):
Introduce the concept of time signature and explain that it determines the rhythm of the song.
Speak and clap the rhythms of the song, emphasizing the beats and pauses.
Guide students in practicing the rhythms by clapping along.
Learning the Song (10 minutes):
Divide the students into two groups: Leaders and Responders.
Teach the Leader line (Mwana Wangu Wakura) by singing it yourself and having the students repeat after you.
Practice the Leader line multiple times until students feel comfortable.
Teach the Response line (Huya Uwone) using the same call-and-response method.
Sing the Leader line and have the students respond. Reverse the roles, allowing students to lead while you respond.
Mix it up by splitting the class into groups and having them take turns singing the Leader and Response lines.