King Sunny Ade, Juju Music and
Wrapping Up Our Unit on Africa!
Well, our time learning about West African countries and culture has come to an end! This week in music class, we capped things off by listening to the cheerful music of King Sunny Ade. Juju music is a popular Nigerian genre that is intended not only for ceremonies and important occasions but also, listening pleasure and creativity! It is a cheerful, light yet complex style--see for yourself by listening to the Youtube link I have provided below! =)
Our students looked at pictures of King Sunny, whose parents did not want him to become a musician. Even though he went against their wishes, he experienced tremendous international success as an African singer and musician.
After we listened to his music and looked at pictures, we took some time to review what we've learned about Africa by talking, and the threes and fours classes also took a poster back to their room with the notes we recorded as we reflected.
We discussed animals we knew lived in Africa, as well as the geographical features of the continent, along with cocoa production and also music--Juju and drum. The children pulled much of their knowledge from our body poem we have worked on all month ("I want to go to Africa").
All in all, we had a very successful unit, and I hope that you will enjoy discussing with and quizzing your child on all of their amazing Africa knowledge at home this week!
Until then...
O dabọ
(Goodbye in Yoruban--one of the official languages of Nigeria!)
The kids also got a big kick out of singing a few peekaboo and handkerchief songs--lots of smiles from toddlers and twos! =)
This little one knows ALL of the words to the grasshopper songs! =)