Two African songs to keep your feet Movin'!!

By now you might be familiar with my absolute passion for the Playing for Change musical concept. Recording street musicians from all over the world and then turning it into a professional production in the studio.

Here are two South African tunes that have the unique rhythm of the dance music associated with the genre. I hope you enjoy them!

The first song was recorded by members of the band at Apogee Studios in Santa Monica. The song is called "Pata Pata" made famous by the late Miriam Makeba Recorded and released in the United States in 1967.

In the studio, the tune starts off starts off with Grandpa Elliott from New Orleans providing a bass humming intro..

Titi Tsira from South Africa is obviously familiar with the words. The harmony is provided by Tula from Israel. Titi and Tula are now absolute naturals in the studio and on stage and play all over the world with the Playing for Change Band.

Saguquka sathi bheka, nants' iPata Pata
Saguquka sathi bheka, nants' iPata Pata
Saguquka sathi bheka, nants' iPata Pata
Saguquka sathi bheka, nants' iPata Pata

Courtesy of YouTube

Here is a translation of the lyrics:

So we grooved and said: "Check it out!"
This is the Pata Pata...
So we grooved and said: "Check it out!"
This is the Pata Pata...

That’s it, lady!
This is the Pata Pata…
That’s it, lady!
This is the Pata Pata…

Pata Pata is the name of the dance
We do down Johannesburg where
And everybody starts to move
As soon as Pata Pata starts to play

So we grooved and said: "Check it out!"
This is the Pata Pata...
So we grooved and said: "Check it out!"
This is the Pata Pata...

That’s it, lady!
This is the Pata Pata…
That’s it, lady!
This is the Pata Pata…

Every Friday and Saturday Night
It’s Pata Pata time!
The dance keeps going all night long
Til’ the morning sun begins to shine!

So we grooved and said: "Check it out!"
This is the Pata Pata...
So we grooved and said: "Check it out!"
This is the Pata Pata...

That’s it, lady!
This is the Pata Pata…
That’s it, lady!
This is the Pata Pata…

Credit

The next song is such a vibrant tune sung by Titi Tsira. Its called "Yahamba

Look out for her Zulu dance at about 4.20 into the tune. She is followed by Tula doing a Middle Eastern dance---Stunning!!

(Somebody should tell Tula that some men have weak hearts!!)

I hope this lifted your spirits as it did mine!!

Till next time!! Love, Junior!