Chosen Ones

Despite an old post by Mallachi Mullingan on the subject many moons ago, I think the music of the Abayudaya people of Uganda is worth of another mention. None of the writers of this blog live in Marin yet some of us can share the rare privilege of calling some of this beautiful African music our own without feeling ourselves worthy of 40 lashes. In 1919 the tribal leader of the Abayudaya people, Semi Kakungulu grew fed up with the rapidly encroaching tentacles of Christian missionaries and Islamic leaders. As a reflection of his resentment and deep commitment to the Old Testament, he circumcised his family and called the tribe Jewish. Nowadays the tribe numbers 600 and practices a unique brand of Judaism developed in isolation from any actual Certified Jews. AKA Totally DIY. The music is an awesome reinterpretation of Jewish folk songs with Ugandan tunes and melodies. Also, check out the last song for proof that the spirit of Adonai can compel even the typically soulful High-life synth to take on a charmingly syncopated akwardness.

Adon olam (master of the world)
Hinei ma tov (behold how good it is for brothers to dwell together)
Ali omu yekka (my only one)

All of the songs from Abayudaya: Music from the Jewish People of Uganda GET IT!