‘The Land of Yangalele’ by Papa Siama and Auntie Dallas

Traveling the world is not a possibility for many young families. So how can we introduce different cultures to our kids and to ourselves?  One way is by music. Travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo listening to Papa Siama and Auntie Dallas’s new album, “The Land of Yangalele.”

The Land of Yangalele

The Land of Yangalele

A quiet album with light melodies and fun playful songs, The Land of Yangalele means the land of happiness. For sure you will feel happy after listening to this album. While it’s based on melodies and rhythms from the Democratic Republic of Congo, most of the songs are sung in English.

My favorite songs include “Monkey Game” with its catchy tune and goofy lyrics and “Auntie’s Song” narrated and sung by Auntie Dallas.  t’s not so much a song as it is a story told with spoken word and sweet ditties.  I am not fond of the song “Abcd.” I can’t really explain why.  It just didn’t do anything for me.

But the album begins and ends with “Bakongo Chant” which I adore because of it’s entertaining happy mood.

If you are interested in expanding your music repertoire, The Land of Yangalele is a perfect first step.  Papa Siama’s voice is one to celebrate.  When I listen to him, I feel like I’m in the middle of Africa.  I feel like this would be a wonderful album to use as a bedtime routine enhancement.

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The colorful album liner notes include lyrics and guitar chords, a glossary (“Yangalele” means happiness in Kikongo), an African map and a fun quiz to enhance the educational fun relating to these 10 tracks. Discover more and download a coloring page of the cover art by award-winning illustrator Kayla Harren at SiamaMusic.com.

-description supplied by press release

Details:

  • Buy The Album: Land of Yangalele is available directly from SiamaMusic.com and various retailers.
  • Stream the album at: https://siamamusic.com/music
  • Watch: PBS created a special program about Siama’s life and music or watch him playing mbira with singing birds near the headwaters of the Mississippi River on his YouTube channel. 

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