Songs and Tales from the Dark Continent

In addition to their intrinsic entertainment value, these authentic regional singings and sayings offer significant insights into African lives and customs. Recorded in the early twentieth century, this compilation features folklore from the Ndau tribe of Portuguese East Africa and the Zulus of South Africa: songs celebrating the rain, labor chants, dances and laments, as well as songs of war, meditation, and love. Extensive commentary, metrical and literal translations, and notes on pronunciation provided by the editor, one of the world’s foremost ethnomusicologists. A splendid introduction to the rich and varied musical and folkloric tradition of Africa, this volume offers a fine resource for music students and all enthusiasts of African culture. Unabridged reprint of the classic 1921 edition. 10 black-and-white illustrations.