John Knox Bokwe's 'Plea for Africa' (2016)
J K Bokwe arr. M Blake
for solo piano
Afrikosmos Volume 3: No 11
Noluthando Mavis Mpola and Christian Thanduxolo Ngqobe in memoriam
Transcribed October 2016, Saint-Léger-Magnazeix
Publisher: Bardic Edition
Available from Goodmusic Publishing
Score BDE 1283 (Volume 3 Complete)
Duration: 1'30"
Recording
Recorded by Antony Gray on 'Michael Blake: Afrikosmos’ (Divine Art DA 21374)
Première
First performance: 21 August 2021; Le Genesteix Concerts, Azat-le-Riz, France;
Antony Gray piano
Programme note
John Knox Bokwe’s ‘Plea for Africa’ is one of the most-loved Xhosa hymns in the Black South African choral repertoire. Bokwe (1855-1922), composer, journalist and Presbyterian minister single-handedly established that choral tradition with this hymn, written circa 1894. The words read: “Give a thought to Africa / ’Neath the burning sun. / There are hosts of weary hearts, / Waiting to be won. / Many lives have passed away, / And in many homes / There are voices crying now, / To the living God. / Tell the love of Jesus / By her hills and waters. / God bless Africa / And her sons and daughters.” This transcription for solo piano, made in memory of two great practitioners of choral music, translates the music into a contemporary gospel piano style, without changing a note.
J K Bokwe arr. M Blake
for solo piano
Afrikosmos Volume 3: No 11
Noluthando Mavis Mpola and Christian Thanduxolo Ngqobe in memoriam
Transcribed October 2016, Saint-Léger-Magnazeix
Publisher: Bardic Edition
Available from Goodmusic Publishing
Score BDE 1283 (Volume 3 Complete)
Duration: 1'30"
Recording
Recorded by Antony Gray on 'Michael Blake: Afrikosmos’ (Divine Art DA 21374)
Première
First performance: 21 August 2021; Le Genesteix Concerts, Azat-le-Riz, France;
Antony Gray piano
Programme note
John Knox Bokwe’s ‘Plea for Africa’ is one of the most-loved Xhosa hymns in the Black South African choral repertoire. Bokwe (1855-1922), composer, journalist and Presbyterian minister single-handedly established that choral tradition with this hymn, written circa 1894. The words read: “Give a thought to Africa / ’Neath the burning sun. / There are hosts of weary hearts, / Waiting to be won. / Many lives have passed away, / And in many homes / There are voices crying now, / To the living God. / Tell the love of Jesus / By her hills and waters. / God bless Africa / And her sons and daughters.” This transcription for solo piano, made in memory of two great practitioners of choral music, translates the music into a contemporary gospel piano style, without changing a note.
