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Lesson 2: Learning “Mwana wa Mbeli”

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Makobi Teaches “Mwana wa Mbeli” Sing “Mwana wa Mbeli” Explore Call and Response in “Mwana wa Mbeli” Learn the Isukuti Rhythms and Dance Creative Extension

Aim: How does a community celebrate through song?
Summary: Students will learn to sing “Mwana wa Mbeli,” discover traditional Kenyan rhythms and dance, and explore important elements of community celebration.
Materials: Musical Explorers digital resources, Musical Explorers Student Guide
Standards: National 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 10, 11; NYC 1, 2, 3, 4
Vocabulary: call and response, isukuti

“Mwana wa Mbeli” was traditionally performed during the celebration of the “firstborn” of a family, a source of pride and joy in many Kenyan communities. It marks the excitement of a new child in the family, but also the blessing that child brings to the society. In modern times, anyone can be celebrated through this song, as it is performed on many happy occasions, including graduations and weddings. The melody is repeated, but is slightly different each time. It is usually performed through call and response, accompanied by isukuti (also sometimes spelled “isikuti”) rhythms, and with traditional dance movements. The celebration may be improvised during the “call” and the response is always the same.

Quick Links:

Makobi Teaches “Mwana wa Mbeli”

Play Video
“Mwana wa Mbeli” Demonstration

Kenyan songs artist Makobi teaches “Mwana wa Mbeli.”

Sing “Mwana wa Mbeli”

  • Listen to “Mwana wa Mbeli” to hear the full song.
  • Learn the lyrics to the song using “Mwana wa Mbeli” song and “Mwana wa Mbeli” pronunciation.
  • Sing the chorus.
Click the three dots to toggle different parts on and off.

“Mwana wa Mbeli”

Text

CALL: Mwana wa mbeli, bayaye*
RESPONSE: Mwana wa mbeli
CALL: Bayaye
RESPONSE: Mwana wa mbeli, ne shikhoyelo

CALL: Leri makura ka mwa kula
RESPONSE: Mwana wa mbeli
CALL: khubeshe mwana
RESPONSE: Mwana wa mbeli, ne shikhoyelo

CALL: [Kaluna]** weru nu Mmwana wa mbeli, bayaye
RESPONSE: Mwana wa mbeli
CALL: Nuwundi noho, bayaye
RESPONSE: Mwana wa mbeli, ne shikhoyelo

CALL: Mwana wa mbeli na khulumakhu***
RESPONSE: Mwana wa mbeli
CALL: Walula muno
RESPONSE: Mwana wa mbeli, ne shikhoyelo

*Bayaye is a shout to get someone or a crowd’s
attention.

**Part of the tradition is calling people’s names
into the celebration. Have your students practice
singing their own names or names of others in the
class during the “call sections.”

***Khulumakhu literally means “to bite” and refers
to labor pains.

“The Firstborn”

Translation

CALL: The firstborn [Hey, hey]
RESPONSE: The firstborn
CALL: [Hey, hey]
RESPONSE: The firstborn is a source of pride

CALL: Bring the oil that you bought
RESPONSE: The firstborn
CALL: To apply on the child
RESPONSE: The firstborn is a source of pride

CALL: Our [insert name]** is the firstborn
RESPONSE: The firstborn
CALL: Is this the one or is there another one
RESPONSE: The firstborn is a source of pride

CALL: The firstborn causes pain
RESPONSE: The firstborn
CALL: Very painful
RESPONSE: The firstborn is a source of pride

Download Lyrics (PDF)

Explore Call and Response in “Mwana wa Mbeli”

  • In music, call and response is a succession of two distinct phrases sung by different individuals or groups, where the second phrase is heard as a direct follow up to the first.
  • Listen to the call and response in “Mwana wa Mbeli.”
  • Practice listening as the soloist sings the first phrase, and then respond to that call by singing the second phrase.
  • Split the class into two groups and have them take turns with one group singing the call and another group singing the response.
Click the three dots to toggle different parts on and off.

Learn the Isukuti Rhythms and Dance

  • The isukuti (also sometimes spelled isikuti) is a traditional celebratory performance that is practiced among the Luyia people of western Kenya. It is a fast-paced and passionate dance accompanied by drumming and singing.
  • The dance derives its name from the drums used in the performance, played in sets of three. Each drum represents a member of the family. The big drum represents the father, the medium drum represents the mother, and the small drum represents the child.
  • The small drum, and also a metal ring, play the primary rhythm, as children are considered the “heart of the community.”
  • Learn to clap or tap each of the isukuti rhythms using “Mwana wa Mbeli” rhythms.
  • Next, learn the movements that accompany the song using the “Mwana wa Mbeli” movement video, which can be found on Makobi’s Artist Page.
  • Now, put it all together to create the musical celebration. Divide the class into three groups. Have each group take turns singing the song, clapping or tapping the isikuti rhythms, and performing the dance movements. Have students experiment with creating their own rhythms and movements to add to the celebration.
    • What is your favorite part of this musical celebration? Why?
    • What songs or dances do you use in your community to celebrate a special occasion?
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Creative Extension

Community Celebration

  • As a class, discuss the different ways that communities celebrate special occasions.
    • What are some occasions in your family or community where music, dance, and food play a big role in the celebration? For example, a birthday or holiday.
    • Why is this celebration important?
    • What is your favorite part of the celebration?
  • Using Community Celebration (PDF), draw a picture of this celebration honoring the traditions of your own community.
A blank worksheet inviting students to draw a picture of a community celebration

Community Celebration (PDF)

Musical Word Wall

Add the words call and response and isukuti to the Musical Word Wall.

Explore More Core Activities
As a warm up or to supplement your lessons, these classroom activities are designed to support students' musical curiosity and development.
Image Credits

A Coffee Farm at Marua East of Nyeri Kenya East Africa by Images of Africa Photobank / Alamy Stock Photo

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