Fall 2026: WASSA WASSA! African Songs of Joy and Celebration
Join us this fall as Mystic favorites, Linda Shoemaker and Louise Grasmere, lead us in a season of joyful, energizing music from Africa. We’ll sing a wide range of African traditions and styles, from simple call and response songs to full choral works, representing the music of Nigeria, Liberia, Guinea, Ghana, Cameroon, Mozambique and South Africa.
We are thrilled to be joined by guest vocalist Yemisi Oluwole, who will lead several Yoruba songs from Nigeria, and accompanist/band leader Donnell Patterson, who will add his special spark and stellar musicianship to the mix.
Songs will include Bonka Baphandle, a celebratory song of welcome from South Africa, Bele Mama (“call Mama”), a fun and beautiful round based on a Cameroon folk song about motherhood, Ukuthula, a gorgeous, moving Zulu anthem of peace, and Ise Oluwa, a lilting Nigerian song that affirms “that which the Creator has created can never be destroyed.” We’ll end with a pan-African freedom song, Aluta Continua (“the struggle continues”) with full audience participation.
Come ready to immerse yourself in songs in many languages from many lands! Linda and Louise have selected these songs carefully, and will teach in an accessible, step-by-step way. Singers who attend each week and put in a little time between rehearsals will be able to sing confidently by concert time.
This dynamic and oh-so-talented and energetic duo will provide an uplifting season of jubilant music-making through accessible group singing and richly textured percussion. You don’t want to miss it!
Nine weeks of rehearsals begin on Tuesday, Sept. 8 p.m., 7:30pm at First Parish, Arlington. The concert will be at First Parish, Arlington on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Sign-up begins Monday, Aug. 3.