So I'm only learning the name of this now but is that the lullaby "Rorogwela?" Your voice is beautiful! As soon as I heard the chord progression and the melody, I knew this was "Sweet Lullaby" by Deep Forest, a song whose origins I have never known but has been such a profound and comforting song to me for decades.
I never googled to find out where it came from, and I always assumed that perhaps the recording I was listening to came from South Africa because it has similar tone and vocal intonations, although softer, as a group called Ladysmith Black Mambazo, who famously collaborated with Paul Simon on his Graceland album. I got to see Ladysmith by themselves live in my hometown of Granville, Ohio, and they were positively beautiful.
Anyway, my Internet search has revealed to me that this may be the very same lullaby! What language are you singing it in? I don't recognize the lyrics so I don't believe it is the same language as the recording that I have always enjoyed. And regarding that version, apparently it was a field recording done in the Solomon Islands by ethnomusicologist Hugo Zemp in the late 60s, early 70s.
What a beautiful synchronicity it is that you commented on one of my comments earlier and I enjoyed it so much that I had to go and check out your Substack. And then to have found this song hiding in there—well that is something very special.
I am a singer and songwriter, I grew up performing in musical theater and dance, though it has been many years since I have been involved with performance. My grandmother on my mother's side was a ballroom dancer. I'm glad I found your Substack! I'm also glad to hear you are in good health after all you have been through. Your strength is very apparent.
A cool connection indeed! I will listen to your recording again—but if I understand you, there may have been some differences in dialect in the original recording which account for its sounding a bit dissimilar to me. That's really interesting though, I've come full circle with one of my favorite pieces of music. Thanks for taking the time to respond.
As for my own music, I don't have any posted online anymore. I deleted my entire library of everything I ever created so that I could start fresh. There are some days when I regret that as there were hundreds of songs with a lot of potential, but it felt like it was weighing me down. So if and when I find the inspiration to write again, I'll need to be starting from scratch.
Isn't it amazing how one song can connect people? You in America, me in Europe, and a tune from the South Pacific...
Yes, it is the Rorogwela, made famous by Deep Forest.
And yes, I am singing it in the original language, Baegu. I listened to that recording by Hugo Zemp, of the woman called Afunakwa, and reconstructed the lyrics syllable by syllable, as I went along. Later on I found the written lyrics on the internet, but some words were slightly different and I wanted to sing it as it was. This can happen with field recordings that the singer uses words that are different from the official language.
And you are a fellow artist, from an artistic family! Glad to meet you :) Do you have your music available somewhere to listen?
So I'm only learning the name of this now but is that the lullaby "Rorogwela?" Your voice is beautiful! As soon as I heard the chord progression and the melody, I knew this was "Sweet Lullaby" by Deep Forest, a song whose origins I have never known but has been such a profound and comforting song to me for decades.
I never googled to find out where it came from, and I always assumed that perhaps the recording I was listening to came from South Africa because it has similar tone and vocal intonations, although softer, as a group called Ladysmith Black Mambazo, who famously collaborated with Paul Simon on his Graceland album. I got to see Ladysmith by themselves live in my hometown of Granville, Ohio, and they were positively beautiful.
Anyway, my Internet search has revealed to me that this may be the very same lullaby! What language are you singing it in? I don't recognize the lyrics so I don't believe it is the same language as the recording that I have always enjoyed. And regarding that version, apparently it was a field recording done in the Solomon Islands by ethnomusicologist Hugo Zemp in the late 60s, early 70s.
What a beautiful synchronicity it is that you commented on one of my comments earlier and I enjoyed it so much that I had to go and check out your Substack. And then to have found this song hiding in there—well that is something very special.
I am a singer and songwriter, I grew up performing in musical theater and dance, though it has been many years since I have been involved with performance. My grandmother on my mother's side was a ballroom dancer. I'm glad I found your Substack! I'm also glad to hear you are in good health after all you have been through. Your strength is very apparent.
A cool connection indeed! I will listen to your recording again—but if I understand you, there may have been some differences in dialect in the original recording which account for its sounding a bit dissimilar to me. That's really interesting though, I've come full circle with one of my favorite pieces of music. Thanks for taking the time to respond.
As for my own music, I don't have any posted online anymore. I deleted my entire library of everything I ever created so that I could start fresh. There are some days when I regret that as there were hundreds of songs with a lot of potential, but it felt like it was weighing me down. So if and when I find the inspiration to write again, I'll need to be starting from scratch.
(:
Hi Jay, thank you!
Isn't it amazing how one song can connect people? You in America, me in Europe, and a tune from the South Pacific...
Yes, it is the Rorogwela, made famous by Deep Forest.
And yes, I am singing it in the original language, Baegu. I listened to that recording by Hugo Zemp, of the woman called Afunakwa, and reconstructed the lyrics syllable by syllable, as I went along. Later on I found the written lyrics on the internet, but some words were slightly different and I wanted to sing it as it was. This can happen with field recordings that the singer uses words that are different from the official language.
And you are a fellow artist, from an artistic family! Glad to meet you :) Do you have your music available somewhere to listen?
Everyday we wake up to another day of life is a gift. Love your strength and attitude. 💕💪👍😁
Indeed John, we have to be grateful for that.
Thank you! :))
You are an incredibly strong woman. I admire you.
Thank you Diana ❣️