Sawubona

Description

Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass, Piano, Djembe — Sawubona is a Zulu greeting meaning “We see you.” The deeper implication is “All that is within me acknowledges all that is within you.” The customary Zulu response, “Yebo, Sawubona,” means “Yes, we see you,” affirming mutual recognition. This piece seeks to honor that worldview. The word Ubuntu, used in several African languages including Zulu, describes a worldview far richer than can be fully explored here. Its essence is captured in the phrase “I am because we are.” Human beings are not meant to live in isolation; we are designed for community. Our shared community shapes who we are, both collectively and individually. Another guiding concept expressed here is the proverb “Izandla ziyagezana”- literally, “The hands, they wash each other.” Like the English phrase “One hand washes the other,” it reminds us that no one thrives alone; we rise through cooperation and exist in relationship to one another.Pronunciation NoteIn this piece, the most challenging sound for non-native speakers appears in the word Izandla, written ndl. There is a slight N sound, but no distinct D or L. Instead, the D and L form a single consonant sound: a voiced alveolar lateral fricative (IPA ⟨ɮ⟩). The tongue rests against the roof of the mouth while air flows along the sides, creating a buzzing sound- similar to Z or V but felt along the back teeth. This information is included to help choirs find additional resources for accurate pronunciation. Izandla ZiyagezanaEe-zahn-ɮah Zee-yah-geh-zah-nahUbuntuOo-boon-tooSawubona sow-bɔh-nahYeboyay-boh "With one voice, with one mind, with one soul, let us live this life. Each of us is all of us." DesJardin's empowering, uplifting text infused with rhythmic energy anda cool optional djembe percussion makes Sawubona fun to sing and learn.A must-teach, sure to add vitality and variety to any concert or festival performance.

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