Africa’s Best Voices Celebrate Kids Music Day with Album
Ami Faku, Msaki, TRESOR and Zoë Modiga are just some of the musicians who feature on African Lullabies, a 17-track album made in celebration of Kids Music Day.
The project emerges out of a desire to expand on the rich heritage of African folklore and create African-centred content for children.
This is the first in a two-part series. Part one focuses specifically on South African singers and songwriters, with songs in isiXhosa, isiZulu, Swahili, seSotho and English, including a few instrumental tracks. Most of the recordings are original compositions by the artists, drawing from their experiences in parenthood, African folklore, and some are interpretations of previously released material arranged and re-recorded as lullabies.
Congolese born singer, TRESOR, describes an easy-going sound with a sweet African story.
“‘Milele’ is a laid-back lullaby inspired by simple African living. It’s a sincere African tale about the everlasting beauty of life. It’s been great working on my first children’s song and I hope to do more – the creative process has been incredibly therapeutic,” says TRESOR.
Eastern Cape born Msaki adds an extra personal touch by bringing in her six-year-old daughter to sing the intro to her song, and rising musician Aymos grabs inspiration from the well-known Bible verse “Joy comes in the morning” for his single.
“I’ve been writing and singing songs for and with my kids since before my six-year-old was born. This is my first recording of one and we are so excited because my six-year-old daughter is singing with me. The intro is a song she sings to her younger siblings after our bedtime stories. I’m singing her to sleep, and she is singing her fluffy giraffe friend to sleep. I’m really passionate about contributing to the existence of this kind of content. I really want there to be more songs in our languages for our children. I’ve never been happier to be part of a project,” says Msaki.
“The song was inspired by the Bible script that says, “Joy comes in the morning.” I come across many children from humble backgrounds who have to overcome many trials, particularly those raised by single mothers. I wanted to say, “Stay strong, for tomorrow is a brand-new day with a lot of possibilities.” I am honoured to be a part of Platoon’s first lullaby album, because the project invests in the future leaders of Africa,” says Aymos.
Stream African Lullabies Part 1 now, available across all major platforms.
The soulful and soothing lullabies will resonate far beyond Africa, and you can expect to hear new original lullabies with new spins to some of the most iconic ones from Africa.
Below is the full list of artists featured on the album.
Ami Faku
Aymos
Azana
Bonga Kwana
Derek Gripper
Inga Hina
Leomile
Manana
Msaki
Nobuhle
Ntsika
Thesis ZA
TRESOR
Qhawekazi
Zoë Modiga
Zolani Mahola
Zu.