Music and Literature: Abiyoyo

Music and Literature

Abiyoyo

Pete Seeger was an American folk singer and activist. He was born in 1919 in New York City and died in 2014 in New York City. He was born into a musically gifted family and sang in bands and solo gigs throughout his life. He was a strong and active supporter of environmental causes.

Pete Seeger adapted a South African folktale into the story-song Abiyoyo. The original folktale involves an ancient monster who eats people. The village parents get the monster dancing, it falls down in a fit and then it is dispatched by the parents. Seeger’s story-song was based entirely on a footnote that he read about that tale. Like every fairy tale, this story has a villain and hero.  (Parents: I've previewed the video and I don't think the video has any scary images for the students to see or hear. If your child is especially sensitive and has an active imagination, please preview before letting your child view.)

After watching the video, please answer the questions below and post in Seesaw.

1. What is the name of the singer who is telling the story?
2. What is the name of the giant in the story?
3. What kind of stringed instrument is the singer playing? The story talks about a ukulele but the singer is actually holding a playing a different stringed instrument at the beginning and end of the video.
4. Post your answers on Seesaw.