I remember a group like this performed this song at my school when I was in elementary school in the 90s. Still can’t get this song out of my head and I’m 33 now!
This is a lovely dance choreographed to go with this song, it is not a dance that was "traditionally" danced to this song -- especially because the African origins of Funga Alafia are debatable! But great dancing, drumming, and teaching!
Just want to be careful here. This song does not have origins in West Africa. It was written by LaRoque Bey in Harlem, and the tune is “Little Liza Jane.” Even the words are an amalgamation of African languages.
I've seen this song all over the place, attributed to various African cultures over the last 35 years: the Hausa or Yoruba of Nigeria, from Sierra Leon, from Liberia... and now Harlem! Some think that Little Liza Jane came from the "African" song Funga Alafia! I believe the Harlem origin, and the fact that it has been so popular for decades in the US may be because it is much simpler than traditional African songs -- and it's pentatonic, easy to play! Thanks for giving the readers a heads up about the origin.
Thank you! I'm in 5th grade and we are doing this dance all week so we can learn because people are going to be watching us!
I remember a group like this performed this song at my school when I was in elementary school in the 90s.
Still can’t get this song out of my head and I’m 33 now!
That was fun and I love the learning involved. Movements have intentionality and that’s beautiful. You all did amazing😊
This is a lovely dance choreographed to go with this song, it is not a dance that was "traditionally" danced to this song -- especially because the African origins of Funga Alafia are debatable! But great dancing, drumming, and teaching!
Loved it thank you
SLAYYYY😊
I really love it thanksgiving
Thank you so very much🥰🤗🤩
ASHE! Olodumare'
I was invisible, Cool ♒️ I don’t feel so greatcoooooooooooooooo
Yes, good teaching of individual parts but disappointing that the complete dance wasn’t demonstrated at the beginning or end.
Just want to be careful here. This song does not have origins in West Africa. It was written by LaRoque Bey in Harlem, and the tune is “Little Liza Jane.” Even the words are an amalgamation of African languages.
I've seen this song all over the place, attributed to various African cultures over the last 35 years: the Hausa or Yoruba of Nigeria, from Sierra Leon, from Liberia... and now Harlem! Some think that Little Liza Jane came from the "African" song Funga Alafia! I believe the Harlem origin, and the fact that it has been so popular for decades in the US may be because it is much simpler than traditional African songs -- and it's pentatonic, easy to play! Thanks for giving the readers a heads up about the origin.
Alaafia and Ase’ are definitely Nigerian (Yoruba) words.
Fanga alafia ashe ashe jajajaaa
Adam-the only with a Jembe.😐
Why oh why.