Grade Level: PreK-5th

Duration: 20-30 minutes

Subject: Music, Cultural Studies

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Lesson Overview

​Introduce students to the welcoming spirit of New Orleans music through "Funga Alafia," a call-and-response song rooted in West African traditions. This lesson will set the tone for inclusivity and participation while teaching students about the cultural origins of this joyful song.

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Learning Objectives

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By the end of this lesson, students will:

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1. Understand the meaning of "Funga Alafia" and its cultural origins.

2. Practice singing in a call-and-response format.

3. Explore rhythm through clapping or drumming.

4. Begin connecting African musical traditions to New Orleans music.

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Materials Needed

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• Percussion instruments (e.g., drums, tambourines, shakers) or use hands for clapping.

• Optional: Visual aids (e.g., map of West Africa, images of traditional instruments).

• Space for movement and group interaction.

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Lesson Steps

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Welcome and Introduction (5 minutes)

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• Greet the students and introduce the idea of a welcome song.

• Explain that "Funga Alafia" comes from West African traditions, where music is used to welcome people into the community.

• Share the meaning of the words:

  • Funga means a traditional song and dance style from Nigeria.

  • Alafia means peace and welcome.

  • Ashe means so it be so.

• Show a map of West Africa and discuss its connection to New Orleans' cultural heritage.

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Call-and-Response Practice (5-10 minutes)

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• Explain the concept of call-and-response, where one person leads and others echo.

• Demonstrate the song:

  • Leader: “Funga Alafia.”

  • Response: “Ashe Ashe.”

  • Repeat: “Peace and welcome.”

  • Response: “So it be so.”

• Practice together, encouraging students to echo with enthusiasm.

• Add clapping or simple percussion to maintain the rhythm.

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Adding Movement (5 minutes)

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• Encourage students to add simple movements like clapping, tapping their feet, or swaying.

• Ask them how they might show a welcoming gesture with their bodies (e.g., waving, bowing).

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Group Performance (5-10 minutes)

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• Perform the song as a group, with one student or teacher leading and the rest responding.

• Incorporate percussion instruments if available.

• Optionally, divide the class into smaller groups and let each group perform for the others.

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Extension Activities

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• Cultural Exploration: Show images or videos of traditional West African dances or instruments. Discuss their importance in the community.

• Creative Task: Ask students to create their own welcome song using the call-and-response format.

• Movement Game: Play a follow-the-leader game where students mimic the leader’s movements while singing the song.

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Reflection Questions

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• How did it feel to sing and respond as a group?

• What do you think is the importance of welcome songs in a community?

• Can you think of other ways music can bring people toget