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Missionaries of the 19th-century used Swahili as the lingua franca for spreading Christianity across East Africa; consequently, a rich tradition of vocal music arose that blended European harmonies with traditional African call-and-response. Baba Yetu literally means 'Our Father,' and is a Swahili translation of The Lord's Prayer. It serves as an overture to Calling All Dawns, blending African choral music with Western symphonic structure, thus beginning our journey of humanity from the cradle of civilization.
Lyrics:
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Baba yetu, yetu uliye Mbinguni yetu, yetu amina! Baba yetu yetu uliye Jina lako litukuzwe.
Utupe leo chakula chetu
Ufalme wako ufike utakalo |
Our Father, who art in Heaven. Amen! Our Father, Hallowed be thy name.
Give us this day our daily bread,
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done |