Byanswahn - Byanswahn - Congolese Children's Songs - Democratic Republic of the Congo - Mama Lisa's World: Children's Songs and Rhymes from Around the World - Intro Image

Notes

If anyone knows the tune to this song, please email me. Thanks! -Mama Lisa

Comments

This rhyme can be found in Negro Folk Rhymes, Wise and Otherwise, with a Study by Thomas W. Talley of Fisk University (1922).

Here's the text from the section of the book where this song can be found: "The rhymes... 'Sai Boddeoh Sumpun Komo,' and "Byanswahn-Byanswahn" were kindly contributed by Mr. John H. Zeigler, Monrovia, Liberia, and Mr. C. T. Wardoh of the Bassa Tribe, Liberia. They are natives and are now in America for collegiate study and training...." Later it said, "The following child's play rhyme in Baluba with its translation was contributed by Mrs. L. G. Sheppard, who was for many years a missionary in Congo, Africa."

We're not sure if this rhyme is from Liberia or Congo and which language it's in. If anyone can confirm the language, and/or country of origin, please email me

Thanks and Acknowledgements

Image: Días de playa (Niños galleta) by Daniel Lobo.

Twasakadila!