“Celebrating our companionship in song” is how Pastor Tito Kilale summarized the goal of bringing an American choir together with Tanzanian choirs. On a beautiful weekend earlier this month, 19 voices from the Saint Paul Area Synod joined 200+ voices from Lulanzi, Ihominyi, Mtwivila, Cathedral, and Mlandege Parishes for worship, fellowship, rehearsal, and a concert.
The concert began with all the choirs joined to sing Pote Atawala Nani, a joyful song of praise with interludes of traditional dancing. Each choir shared two of their own anthems. The concert closed with the Americans and the Udugu Kwaya from Cathedral singing together an American anthem and another arrangement in Swahili – Hakuna Mungu Kama Wewe (There is No One Like my Jesus).
That festive day was complemented by times of learning and exploring. The Udugu Kwaya joined the Americans for a day at Mtera Secondary School. Sharing buses for the two-hour ride north launched many conversations. Together we toured the school, shared lunch with students and staff, and enjoyed a concert that included student choirs and a choir from a local parish.
The highlight of that day for many of the Americans was being taught an indigenous song by the youth choir. In traditional fashion, we learned by listening, part by part and phrase by phrase, rather than seeing our music notated. Stumbling over Swahili words, we shared a lot of laughter.
Reflecting on the trip, one traveler shared, “So many moments were filled with joy and truly sacred – the meals shared – the smiles and hugs from/with children – the music and dancing of the local choirs – and the deep belly laughs shared with singing partners who were trying to teach me the Swahili words to songs and found my pronunciation hilarious – which led to wonderful shared hugs!”
In addition to their musical experiences, the group’s itinerary included visits with diocese leaders, tours of the university and the hospital, and visits to both Hehe and Maasai villages. “It was amazing to see the fruits of the collaboration between all our congregations,” observed another traveler. “I’m thankful for their faith witness to us!”
“All we met made us feel most welcome and loved,” recounted a traveler whose favorite memory was ending a worship service singing What a friend we have in Jesus. “Our group sang in English while the rest of the congregation sang in Swahili. What a wonderfully harmonious sound it created as we lifted our voices, united as one.”
Many thanks to all who participated and planned these events, especially the choirs, their directors, and our hosts at Mlandege Parish, Tungamalenga Parish, Mpalapande Primary School, and Mtera Secondary School. Special thanks to Pastor Tito Kilale, diocese coordinator of music and worship; Professor Jimson Sanga, diocese director of music; and Deacon Mark Ertl, director of the Saint Paul Area Synod Kwaya. Last but definitely not least, we thank Mr Frank Mkocha and Pastor Lusungu Msigwa from the Bega Kwa Bega – Iringa Diocese office, whose assistance as translators and logistical experts ensured that all went well.
Asanteni sana,
Kirsten Levorson
Director of Bega Kwa Bega
