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Abayudaya - Music from the Jewish People of Uganda
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Binding: Audio CD
EAN: 0093074050422
Label: Smithsonian Folkways
Manufacturer: Smithsonian Folkways
Number Of Discs: 1
Publisher: Smithsonian Folkways
Release Date: October 21, 2003
Studio: Smithsonian Folkways
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Editorial Review:
No one's ever going to accuse Smithsonian Folkways of not practicing niche marketing with Abayudaya: Music From The Jewish People Of Uganda. Currently a community of 600 people, the Abayudaya developed their faith in relative isolation since converting to Judaism in 1919 under the guidance of Semei Kakungulu, a military leader who fought Muslims and Catholics for control of Uganda. Consequently, these 24 songs are distinctly African, often with polyphonic vocal harmonies (of men, women, and children) that joyfully soar in Hebrew, English, and several Ugandan languages. There are also touches of celebratory Afro-pop with rudimentary electric keyboard and guitar and a handful of more personal solo vocal performances. While some of this was recorded in a makeshift studio, the field recordings are what capture this unique culture's essence, as crickets (and once even a goat) providing ambient coloring. One of the most interesting international and religious albums of the year, this music transcends its ambition of being Jewish music by and for Jews. --Tad Hendrickson
Abayudaya: The Music of the Jews of Uganda presents a unique collection of African-Jewish music in which the rhythms and harmonies of Africa blend with Jewish celebration and traditional Hebrew prayer. This compelling repertoire is rooted in local Ugandan music and infused with rich choral singing, Afro-pop, and traditional drumming. The repertoire includes lullabies, political and children's song, religious rituals, hymns, and celebratory music, with song texts in Hebrew, English, and several Ugandan languages. This singular community of African people living committed Jewish lives has survived persecution and isolation and asserts, "We have been saved by our music."
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Soothes my crying baby in seconds
I have a six month old son and discovered that when he was in all-out melt down mode, playing this cd calmed him instantly. When I say instantly, I mean within 10 seconds or less. And, it also puts me in a peaceful mood too. It's a must for all new moms - a great shower gift.
Rating: - extraordinary music and an extraordinary story
The Abayudaya are a community of around 600 people who live in Eastern Uganada and are practicing Jews. This CD is their music.
The group's Jewish origins are interesting. In the early 20th century, their leader Semei Kakungulu fell out with the local British authorities and the Anglican Church and decided to begin following the precepts of proto-Judaism. From the 1930s until the 1960s, the group had almost no contact with other Jews and suffered abuse and persecution from their fellow ... Read More
Rating: - Visceral, genuine, transcendent
Don't expect broadway- it aint. If you have memories of singing around a campfire and memories of feeling in tune with your spiritual community you will appreciate this album. Very Jewish. Very African. Very nice.
Rating: - Eerie
Strange to hear familiar religious chants sung by African voices in beautiful melodies. Highly recommended
Rating: - This CD was just nominated for a Grammy!
I know the producer of this album, and just received word that it was nominated for a Grammy Award in the World Music Category! I have listened to several tracks and it is gorgeous.
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