This Is Africa
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General Info
Year: 2011
Duration: c. 9:55
Difficulty: (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Unknown
Cost: Score and Parts - Unknown
Instrumentation
(Needed - please join the WRP if you can help.)
Errata
None discovered thus far.
Program Notes
Born out of my recent trip to Nigeria, This Is Africa is a work that musically evokes moods, events, and sounds that I experienced from my journey, including West African drumming and tribal melodies. One of the primary musical themes of the composition is an adaptation of a melody that comes from the Esan people -- a small ethnic group in the southern part of Nigeria and the tribe of which I am a part and have rich historical family ties. The Esan language is very poetic. The text of the melody, on which this piece is based, is chanted throughout.
“Ekine leleyea do obhimen la doeki nalo.”
Translation:
“My investment in you has paid off. Because of your hard work, your future is bright and others will benefit”
This piece is dedicated to the memory of Harry Begian, one of the most influential and well-respected band directors and educators of the latter part of the 20th century. As an educator, Begian influenced many students who went on to do the same with their students, including my teacher and mentor, James Curnow. As such, the Esan text is fitting, as Begian’s investment in his students made the future bright for many musicians.
- Program Note by composer
Media
- Audio: Reference recording. Ensemble and conductor unknown
- Video: Boise State University Symphonic Winds (Marcellus Brown, conductor)
State Ratings
None discovered thus far.
Performances
To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project
- Boise (Id.) State University Symphonic Winds (Marcellus B. Brown, conductor) – 24 March 2011 (CBDNA 2011 National Conference, Seattle, Wash.) *Premiere Performance*
Works for Winds by This Composer
- Balm in Gilead
- Gale and Zephyr (2023)
- Heritage (2021)
- Honey Rock (2017)
- Ritual Dances (2004)
- Sovereign Pageantry (2006)
- This Is Africa (2011)
- Ye Banks and Braes (as arranger) (2004)
Resources
- Shawn Okpebholo website Accessed 14 August 2021