
KWANZAA   
Songs For Everyone

Karen Griner Smith

AuthorHouse™

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.authorhouse.com

Phone: 1-800-839-8640

© 2012 Karen Griner Smith.  All rights reserved. 

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author. 

First published by AuthorHouse 01/06/2012

ISBN: 978-1-4685-4140-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4685-4139-7 (ebk)

Printed in the United States of America

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only. 

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock. 

This book is printed on acid-free paper. 

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid.  The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them. 
Contents

Introduction

Word-Sounding Glossary

The Kwanzaa Experience

Preparation for Kwanzaa

Celebration of Kwanzaa

[A Special Celebration   
Tune: The Holly and the Ivy](383055_split_009.html#Anchor-1)

[Celebrate our Culture   
Tune: Angels We Have Heard On High](383055_split_010.html#Anchor-2)

[Come and Feel the Love   
Tune: Joy To the World](383055_split_011.html#Anchor-3)

[Come to the Table   
Tune: O Come All Ye Faithful](383055_split_012.html#Anchor-4)

[The Days of Kwanzaa Time   
Tune: Auld Lang Syne](383055_split_013.html#Anchor-5)

[Harumbee!  Kwanzaa's Here   
Tune: Kum Bah Yah](383055_split_014.html#Anchor-6)

[Kwanzaa   
Tune: Deck the Halls](383055_split_015.html#Anchor-7)

[Kwanzaa Is For Family Fun   
Tune: We Three Kings of Orient Are](383055_split_016.html#Anchor-8)

[Kwanzaa Is the Name   
Tune: B-I-N-G-O](383055_split_017.html#Anchor-9)

[Kwanzaa Is the Time of Year   
Tune: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star](383055_split_018.html#Anchor-10)

[Kwanzaa Is Coming   
Children, Go Where I Send Thee](383055_split_019.html#Anchor-11)

[KWANZAA'S HERE   
Tune: Jingle Bell](383055_split_020.html#Anchor-12)

[Let Us Say "Ashe, Ashe"   
Tune: Bring A Torch Jeanette Isabella](383055_split_021.html#Anchor-13)

[Now Is The Time   
Tune: Silent Night](383055_split_022.html#Anchor-14)

[Our Harvest Celebration   
Tune: Oh Christmas Tree](383055_split_023.html#Anchor-15)

[Seven Principles of Kwanzaa   
Tune: I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In](383055_split_024.html#Anchor-16)

[Signs of Kwanzaa   
Tune: Hark The Herald Angels Sing](383055_split_025.html#Anchor-17)

[To Celebrate Kwanzaa   
Tune: Away In A Manger](383055_split_026.html#Anchor-18)

[We All Sing of Kwanzaa   
Tune: Here We Come A-Wassailing](383055_split_027.html#Anchor-19)

[We Are A Race of Honor   
Tune: Go Tell It On The Mountain](383055_split_028.html#Anchor-20)

[We Wish You A Happy Kwanzaa   
Tune: We Wish You A Merry Christmas](383055_split_029.html#Anchor-21)

If You Know It's Time for Kwanzaa

Why I Love Kwanzaa

Honor to Great People

Unity for Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa Rap—Kwanzaa Vibes

Kwanzaa Rap—Black Man's Burden

Kwanzaa Rap—Bop

Practice Kwanzaa Everyday

Kwanzaa Poem
To Everette Griner, my father, whose passing during Kwanzaa   
inspired these songs;

To Rashard, Savannah and Amir Brown, my grandchildren,   
who are inspirational by just being themselves;

And to Deborah Griner Randall, my sister, who planted the idea of music   
for Kwanzaa that school children could sing. 
Introduction

Jingle Bells.  Silent Night.  Oh Come All Ye Faithful.  Joy To the World.  I just love Christmas music!  I grew up on it.  It evokes feelings of happiness, love, and good times.  I play it all year round whenever my spirits need a boost. 

I also love Kwanzaa, the harvest feast period celebrated by many African-Americans.  It is a holiday that honors and respects the past, present and future of my people.  I am attracted to Kwanzaa's focus on family activities, community spirit, and promotion of togetherness, idea sharing, and creativity. 

One day it occurred to me that I could have my cake and eat it, too.  I combined the music of Christmas and the ideology of Kwanzaa into Kwanzaa Songs!!!!!!!!  A small number of the songs are set to universally familiar tunes, which are not traditional Christmas music.  These songs belong in this collection because the lyrics evoke the cultural awareness and happy experience that is Kwanzaa. 

I have three wishes.  The first is that all who sing these songs enjoy them as much as I do to add musical spice to Kwanzaa celebrations everywhere.  The second is that these songs help facilitate the spread of the Kwanzaa celebration further into the mainstream of African-American culture.  The third is that children in schools will sing these songs during the winter holiday season. 

We already know the tunes.  Now let us embrace the new lyrics with the peace, joy and love of the season.  Through these songs may the spirit of Kwanzaa, be enjoyed by the family, sung in schools, and shared with the entire community! 

Karen Griner Smith
Word-Sounding Glossary

Ashe—(ah-SHAY)—Spiritual thanks

Habari gani—(HA-bar-ree GA-nee)—What's the news?  What's new today? 

Harumbee—(Ha-RUM-beh)—All pull together

Imani—(ee-MAH-nee)—Faith; day seven of Kwanzaa

Karamu—(ka-RAH-moo)—Feast

Kikombe Cha Umoja—(key-COM-bey CHA oo-MO-jah)—Unity cup

Kinara—(kee-NAH-rah)—Candle holder

Kujichagulia—(koo-gee-cha-goo-LEE-yah)—Self determination; day two of Kwanzaa

Kuumba—Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah)—Creativity; day five of Kwanzaa

Kutoa Majina—(koo-TOE-ah mah-GEE-nah)—calling the names of family ancestors and great heroes

Kwanzaa—(KWAN-zah)—Harvest celebration

Mazeo—(ma-ZAY-oh)—crops; fruits and vegetables

Mishumaa Saba—(mee-shoo-MAH SAH-bah)—Seven principles

Mkeka—(em-KEH-kah)—Straw mat

Muhindi—(moo-HIN-dee)—Corn

Ngoma—(n-GO-mah)—drums

Nguzo Saba—(n-GOO-zo SAH-bah)—the seven guiding principles on which Kwanzaa is based

Nia—(NEE-yah))—Purpose; day six of Kwanzaa

Tambiko—(tahm-BEE-ko)—pouring libation to honor the ancestors

Tamshi la Tutaonana—(TAHM-shee LA too-tah-oh-NAH-nah)—farewell statement

Ujamaa—(oo-JAH-mah)—Cooperative economics; day four of Kwanzaa

Ujima—(oo-GEE-mah)—Collective works and responsibility; day three of Kwanzaa

Umoja—(oo-MO-jah)—Unity; day one of Kwanzaa

Vibunzi—(vee-BOON-zee)—ears of corn

Zawadi—(za-WAH-dee)—Presents; gifts

Tips on Swahili pronounciation. 

• Consonants are pronounced like English consonants. 

• The "R" is like the Spanish "R" and is pronounced by rolling the tongue. 

• In most Swahili words, the accent is placed on the next-to-last syllable. 

• Swahili vowels are pronounced as follows: a (ah), e (ay), I (ee), o (oe), u (oo). 
The Kwanzaa Experience

When I was a child back in the '50's and '60's my family had gatherings.  Adults and children would get together and party!  We laughed, danced, sang, ate and talked together.  The adults would give the youngsters a nickel or quarter to show them the latest dance steps.  We children would listen to the tales older folks told about how life was in their younger days.  Their experiences were foreign to us and we eagerly listened.  They described historical conditions in ways that helped us to better understand those times.  They spoke of relatives who had passed on whom we never knew before, but whom we came to know through the information that our parents and relatives shared with us.  In this way the generations became linked. 

This was how I learned many important facts, like my mother's relatives were descendants of Robert E. Lee's slaves.  We did not have many material things in those days, but we didn't need them.  We had love, respect and each other.  In celebrating Kwanzaa, I found the spirit and love of those "good old days." 

The word "Kwanzaa" comes from the Swahili language, as do all the terms used in the celebration.  Kwanzaa means "the first fruits of harvest".  It is celebrated during the seven-day period from December 26 to January 1.  In 1966 Dr. Maulana Ron Karenga developed the idea of Kwanzaa so that African Americans could have a way to incorporate our heritage into festivities of the winter holiday season.  After nearly forty years in practice, Kwanzaa has grown to become a worldwide celebration experienced by over five million people though out America, the African Diaspora, and all over the world. 

The Kwanzaa celebration brings forth personal pride and community appreciation.  It is a unique event that pays homage to the past, present and future.  Through family discussions elders share their wisdom and share important information with younger generations.  The younger generation, in turn, share with the elders what is happening now.  These communications cross age roadblocks to bring about mutual respect for all those involved. 

People may experience Kwanzaa in public gatherings, but most Kwanzaa activities occur in private homes with family and friends.  Celebrants go to a different person's house each night of the week.  Many are unable to attend daily events, but participate as often as possible, even if it is for only one or two nights of activities.  The family and friends attending a Kwanzaa celebration generally bring a dish or beverage to contribute to the feast, but it is not a necessity.  People may dress in African clothing if they have them, but this also is not a necessity.  The most important thing is to attend an event and experience the spirit of Kwanzaa. 

Although the general set-up and principles are the same, the actual celebration is fluid and may be modified to suit individual taste and practices.  Generally, after the more solemn agendas of lighting the candles, paying respect to the ancestors and discussing the principle of the night have been observed, Kwanzaa usually evolves into a gathering where people eat, laugh, dance, sing, and socialize.  The other elements of the celebration are open to personal choice. 

The seven principles promote the growth of a cooperative community spirit, cooperative economic opportunities, interpersonal cooperation, and individual advancement.  Although discussed during the Kwanzaa season, the ultimate goal is that the Nguzo Saba (the Seven Principles) become a living part of the individual and community until they are practiced every day of the year. 
Preparation for Kwanzaa

Decorate for Kwanzaa to create an atmosphere with an African flavor by using natural materials and homemade items.  Move away from commercialization.  Decorations may be simple or elaborate.  They may include prints of African art, original African art, masks and sculpture, drums or other African articles. 

Fabric with African design may be draped for a dramatic effect.  Red, black and green are the colors of Kwanzaa and should be included.  The focal point of the room is the kinara and other symbols of Kwanzaa.  The following are the only "must haves" to conduct a Kwanzaa ceremony:

A straw mat called the Mkeka.  Place the items needed on it.  A place mat made of straw, sticks, cloth or other natural fibers is suggested. 

A candleholder called a Kinara to hold seven candles.  It is made out of wood, and may be crafted in any simple way to hold seven candles safely.  A simple one may be made by taking a piece of flat wood long enough to hold seven candles and banging seven long nails until they protrude through to hold the candles. 

Seven candles—One black, three red, three green.  The black candle is always placed in the middle the three red ones to the left and three green ones to the right.  The colors have special meaning: black to represent our people; red to represent the blood of our ancestors; green to represent the land of our ancestors—Mother Africa.  If black candles are hard to find, any candle may be colored with a black marker or black shoe polish. 

A unity cup—called the Kikombe Cha Umoja.  We pour libations to honor our ancestors and share a drink with others in a gesture of togetherness.  Choose a special cup that has been in your family or one that is made from some natural material such as wood, pottery or gourd. 

Clean water—It is used in pouring libation and drinking from the unity cup.  A slightly different practice is to pour water onto the floor in the four comers of the room to represent the four cardinal points of the globe.  After the libation, fill the unity cup once more and pass it so each person may take a sip or a symbolic sip as a sign of unity. 

Whichever libation type is selected, the end is the same.  The group shouts in unison the word "Harumbee" seven times, which means "let's pull together".  The seventh pronunciation should be yelled loud and last as long as the group can carry it. 

The fruits of the harvest—called the Mazao, are fruits, nuts, and gourds.  This includes ears of dried corn called Muhindi or Vibunzi.  The ears represent the number of children in the host family's household.  If there is not enough; the ears may be broken up so the pieces equal the number of children born to that home.  If there are no children, one ear is displayed as a symbolic representation of future generations.  Place the Mazao in a wooden bowl or a basket, or arrange them on the mkeka (straw mat) around the kinara. 

Handmade gifts and presents—called Zawadi.  One may purchase gifts, but handmade ones are preferred.  These gifts do not have to be perfectly crafted or expensive.  They are unique and have special meaning because we made them ourselves.  They can be intangible, like a song or a dance or a foot rub.  They are personal expressions of love. 
Celebration of Kwanzaa

1.  We greet each other with "Habari gani?"  which means, "What's the news?"  The answer is the principle for that night.  The first day's answer is Umoja, the second is Kujichagulia, etc.)  The seven principles are:

• Day One—Umoja (oo-MO-jah) means unity; This is the foundation principle of Kwanzaa.  We can do together what we cannot do alone.  It sets the tone for a week of peace, harmony and togetherness. 

• Day Two—Kujichagulia (koo-gee-cha-goo-LEE-yah) means self-determination.  We have the right and responsibility define ourselves and make decisions in our own best interest concerning self, our families and our community.  We are not limited to someone else's idea of who we are or what we should be. 

• Day three—Ujima (oo-GEE-mah) means collective works and responsibility.  This principle encourages solving problems through teamwork, and a responsibility to our immediate and world communities. 

• Day Four—Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah) means cooperative economics.  This principle encourages building economic strength in our communities.  We do this by supporting each other's business efforts, using products and services from African American providers, and sharing opportunities for economic growth. 

• Day Five—Nia (NEE-yah) means purpose.  This principle helps us to understand ourselves on personal and community levels.  We learn to understand our motivations and how our actions affect one another. 

• Day Six—Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah) means creativity.  We learn to use education and talents to benefit ourselves and the community.  We learn to use old things in a new ways and reveal our hidden talents. 

• Day Seven—Imani (ee-MAH-nee) means faith.  We come from a strong tradition of faith.  It helps us to survive many obstacles.  Faith is needed to maintain positive energy and to continue forward movement. 

2.  We ask the oldest person in the room "Do we have your permission to begin this celebration?"  We do this as a sign of respect for the elders.  Permission is given with a simple, "Yes, you have my permission" Then the activities may begin. 

3.  Each night we light a candle.  We begin with the black one in the center.  This candle is lit first every night and used to light the others.  On the second night a red one candle is lit.  On the third night the two candles which were lit before are re-lit and a green one is added.  Each night all the previous candles are re-lit and an additional candle is lit, alternating red and green, until all seven are ablaze on night seven.  If the room is darkened for this activity, the lighting ceremony is more dramatic. 

4.  We pass the unity cup.  We pour libation (tambiko) to ancestors and encourage everyone to pay respect to those they choose to remember in this activity (family members, friends, or famous people who have passed on).  Say the name of the person remembered while pouring a few drops of water from the unity cup.  The water should fall into a plant or a tub and used to water plants later.  A container of extra water should be close by so the cup may be refilled if needed. 

5.  We announce the principle of the day and discuss it to the best of our ability.  All persons present state their belief on the principle of the day.  This may or may not lead to more extended conversations among guests.  The host may also choose to have a guest speaker to discuss or teach about the topic of the day. 

6.  We exchange home crafted gifts.  Gifts are traditionally given on January 1, Imani, the last day of Kwanzaa.  However, they may be given at any time.  If multiple gifts are given, one each night, the most meaningful gift is given on night seven. 

7.  We share in a Karamu.  Usually this fun and feasting is a pot-luck meal where visitors bring a dish to share with others.  The most elaborate feast is held on day six; however, a karamu may be held on any day of Kwanzaa. 

8.  Rejoicing takes place after the meal.  People have an intergenerational party family style.  Visual artists, jewelry makers, people who sew, etc.  may put their work on display.  Those with performing talents like singing, dancing, rapping, reciting poetry, telling jokes, etc.  share them in impromptu performances.  We also have "jam" sessions where everyone joins in singing popular songs or holiday tunes, with African musical instruments, such as drums and shakers, or home made instruments like a pot and a wooden spoon.  You may choose to play group games, such as charades.  If so, it is good to suggest cultural themes to maintain the spirit of Kwanzaa. 

The celebration often ends with visitors joining together in a circle for group prayer or words of encouragement to recommit their efforts to serve the community and follow the seven principles of Kwanzaa. 

"Ashe!  Peace and Blessings!" 
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• Additional Songs with special appeal for young children, set to nursery rhyme tunes with hand clapping, foot stomping, and gestures

• Kwanzaa Raps with special appeal to teens and young adults

• Kwanzaa poems with universal appeal. 
If You Know It's Time for Kwanzaa

Tune: If You're Happy and You Know It

If you know it's time for Kwanzaa clap your hands (clap clap)

If you know it's time for Kwanzaa clap your hands (clap clap)

If your culture you are feeling

Deck your house from floor to ceiling

Kwanzaa time is so appealing clap your hands (clap clap)

If you know it's time for Kwanzaa stomp your feet (stomp stomp)

If you know it's time for Kwanzaa stomp your feet (stomp stomp)

If your culture you are feeling

Deck your house from floor to ceiling

Kwanzaa time is so appealing stomp your feet (stomp stomp)

If you know it's time for Kwanzaa say "Ashe" (a-she)

If you know it's time for Kwanzaa say "Ashe" (a-she)

If your culture you are feeling

Deck your house from floor to ceiling

Kwanzaa time is so appealing say "Ashe" (a-she)

If you know it's time for Kwanzaa laugh out loud (ha-ha)

If you know it's time for Kwanzaa laugh out loud (ha-ha)

If your culture you are feeling

Deck your house from floor to ceiling

Kwanzaa time is so appealing laugh out loud (ha-ha)

If you know it's time for Kwanzaa raise your hands (raise hands, shaking them)

If you know it's time for Kwanzaa raise your hands (raise hands, shaking them)

If your culture you are feeling

Deck your house from floor to ceiling

Kwanzaa time is so appealing raise your hands (raise hands, shaking them)
Why I Love Kwanzaa

Tune: Itsy Bitsy Spider

Why do I love Kwanzaa

Because it's lots of fun. 

We all make gifts to

Give to everyone. 

We light the candles

And learn our history

And so that's why I love Kwanzaa

Cause it's a time for me. 

Why do I love Kwanzaa

Because it gives me pride. 

Pride in my people

And proudness deep inside. 

Love for myself,

My parents and my friends. 

And so that's why I love Kwanzaa

Wish it would never end. 

Why do I love Kwanzaa

Because it helps me grow. 

Teaching me things

I might not ever know. 

Learning from others

In my community

And then seeing all the benefits

Of love and unity. 

Why do I love Kwanzaa

Because for seven days

We light the candles

And eat and talk and play. 

African clothes are

What I like to wear

While I celebrate with people

All happy to be there. 
Honor to Great People

Tune: The Farmer In the Dell

When Kwanzaa time is here,

When Kwanzaa time is here,

We honor people who are gone

When Kwanzaa time is here. 

Shout Martin Luther King. 

Shout Martin Luther King. 

We honor people who are gone

When Kwanzaa time is here. 

Shout out to Malcolm X.

Shout out to Malcolm X.

We honor people who are gone

When Kwanzaa time is here. 

For Fredrick Douglas, too. 

For Fredrick Douglas, too. 

We honor people who are gone

When Kwanzaa time is here. 

Shout out to Rosa Parks. 

Shout out to Rosa Parks. 

We honor people who are gone

When Kwanzaa time is here. 

Shout out to Booker T.

Shout out to Booker T.

We honor people who are gone

When Kwanzaa time is here. 

For Marcus Garvey, too. 

For Marcus Garvey, too. 

We honor people who are gone

When Kwanzaa time is here. 

Shout out to Willie Mays. 

Shout out to Willie Mays. 

We honor people who are gone

When Kwanzaa time is here. 

Shout out to Emmit Till

Shout out to Emmit Till

We honor people who are gone

When Kwanzaa time is here. 

For Coretta Scott King

For Coretta Scott King

We honor people who are gone

When Kwanzaa time is here. 

Paul Laurence Dunbar, too. 

Paul Laurence Dunbar, too. 

We honor people who are gone

When Kwanzaa time is here. 

For Adam Clayton Powell

For Adam Clayton Powell

We honor people who are gone

When Kwanzaa time is here. 

And Jackie Robinson. 

And Jackie Robinson. 

We honor people who are gone

When Kwanzaa time is here. 

Shout out to Richard Wright

Shout out to Richard Wright

We honor people who are gone

When Kwanzaa time is here. 

George Washington Carver

George Washington Carver

We honor people who are gone

When Kwanzaa time is here. 

For Ossie Davis, too. 

For Ossie Davis, too. 

We honor people who are gone

When Kwanzaa time is here. 

Shout out to your grandma. 

Shout out to your grandma. 

We honor people who are gone

When Kwanzaa time is here. 

Shout out to your grandpa. 

Shout out to your grandpa. 

We honor people who are gone

When Kwanzaa time is here. 

When Kwanzaa time is here

When Kwanzaa time is here

We honor people who are gone

When Kwanzaa time is here. 
Unity for Kwanzaa

Tune: Row, Row, Row Your Boat

Kwan-zaa time is here

Let's all celebrate! 

Unity, unity, unity, unity,

Share, learn and create! 

(Sing in round musical style, just like Row, Row, Row Your Boat). 
Kwanzaa Rap—Kwanzaa Vibes

Come on in.  Take off your coat.  Take off your shoes. 

We say "Habari Gani" that means, "What's the news?" 

To get down with this good time home grown Kwanzaa thing

You got to open your heart and let your spirit sing. 

All day and night, yeah Kwanzaa's tight! 

Kwanzaa is mad nice.  The vibe is fresh and snappy. 

It's when you feeling cool because your hair is nappy. 

The time's about us raisin' up our faith and our hope

And putting down the guns and saying nope to dope. 

Like having seven whole days of heaven. 

At Kwanzaa time the vibe is cool.  The vibe is sharing. 

The Kwanzaa jam is fun.  The juice is love and caring. 

The Kwanzaa energy is on a positive tip

'Cause doing stuff for your peeps is doing stuff that's hip

We dig each other, sisters and brothers. 

It's all about creating stuff and us having faith

To use our minds and skills to do whatever it takes. 

The Kwanzaa vibe is us believing unity

Will make a better life in our community. 

All peeps respected; no one neglected. 

For seven days and seven nights this time each year

Your family and friends come 'round from far and near

To eat up Mama's chicken and potato salad

And listen to your cousin Mookie sing a ballad. 

Laughing and joking, Kwanzaa is smoking. 

At Kwanzaa time the vibe is very hip and clean. 

It's all about us boosting up our self-esteem. 

It's not about the bling but about self-affirmation. 

And there is just no time for beefing and aggravation. 

Kwanzaa has flavor that you can savor. 
Kwanzaa Rap—Black Man's Burden

Hey now don't forget, yes everyone remember

Beginning on the 26th day of December

It's time to get the Kwanzaa candles burning bright

To kick it with our peeps for seven days and nights. 

And every single night we pour out the libation

In memory of those who led to our creation

We got to give a shout out and send love and praise

To all the ones who are gone in these good Kwanzaa days. 

Never neglect to show respect. 

The middle passage was the black man's holocaust. 

Some made it to the shores but thousands more were lost. 

The ones who made it here, they got the whip and chains

They lost all that they had; they even lost their names

But both their spirits and their backs were strong

And they learned to survive by singing Godly songs. 

We need to give respect for their great sacrifice,

For giving all of us a legacy for life. 

A legacy for you and me. 

We need to thank the ones who helped to build this land,

Who slaved all day and night and made stuff with their hands. 

The ones who worked the fields and those that worked in the house. 

The ones who ran away and those who stayed in the south. 

The ones that went to school and got an education

And kicked the knowledge to us for a firm foundation,

Like Frederick Douglas, Malcolm, Martin Luther King

And all the peeps that taught us how to do our thing. 

Praise to the ones who got things done

Remembering the grandmas cooking our favorite dish;

Remembering the grandpas teaching us how to fish. 

The way they made a little bit seem like it's a lot. 

The way they made plain stuff seem like it was something hot. 

The way they sat the shorties down upon their lap

And gave us lots of love while giving serious rap;

For all the stuff our ancestors had to go through,

To give up much respect is what we aught to do. 

It was rough, but they did their stuff. 
Kwanzaa Rap—Bop

You hear the drumming (clap, clap) cause Kwanzaa's coming (clap, clap). 

Now can you handle (clap, clap) the seven candles? ( clap, clap). 

We all be learning (clap, clap) to increase earning (clap, clap)

Go pass the surface (clap, clap) to learn our purpose (clap, clap). 

We don't talk trash (clap, clap) We earn some cash! ( clap, clap)

No time to waste (clap, clap) we seek our faith (clap, clap)

We get with neighbors (clap, clap) to help with labors (clap, clap)

We don't be hating (clap, clap) We be creating. ( clap, clap). 

It ain't the blinging (clap, clap) It's 'bout the singing (clap, clap). 

Back in the kitchen (clap, clap) they frying chicken (clap, clap). 

Just to be pleasant (clap, clap) we make some presents. ( clap, clap). 

Nobody's illing. ( clap, clap) We all be chilling. ( clap, clap). 

Peeps all be viben. ( clap, clap) And we high fiven (clap, clap). 

All day and night, (clap, clap).  Yeah Kwanzaa's tight! ( clap, clap). 
Practice Kwanzaa Everyday

Don't forget, always remember

January to December

See if you can find a way to

Practice Kwanzaa everyday. 

Kwanzaa principles help us

Not to fear or fight or fuss. 

They help us to work together

Making life for all much better. 

Every day of every week

Of every month we all should seek

To become better people and

To try to help our fellowman. 

Practice Kwanzaa all year long. 

It will make our people strong. 

Through our self-determination

We will make a better nation. 

Practicing this love and peace

Negativity will cease. 

Everyone will show they care. 

Principles will lead us there. 
Kwanzaa Poem

It's time for Kwanzaa

For seven whole days

We celebrate us

In our own special way. 

The first fruits of harvest

Do greatly abound

There's joy in the air-

Friends and family come around. 

Place down the straw mat

And then ears of corn

Each one represents that

A child has been born. 

Then place the vegetables

Spread fruits and nuts

To show the abundance

That's given to us. 

There's a unity cup. 

Come pour the libation,

And then take a sip

For the strength of our nation. 

We place the kinara

It has seven spaces

To put all the candles

In just the right places. 

One candle is black. 

Three red and three green. 

One is lit every night;

And here is what they mean:

The black's for our people

The red is for our blood

The green's for the land

From which we all come. 

We place simple gifts

On the straw mat as well. 

Then share with each other

We have stories to tell. 

We sing and we dance

We come out to praise

Our present, our future

And rich heritage. 

We all celebrate

Black community

And speak principles

That promote unity. 

We have pot luck meals

We all share the food

That everyone brings

And it always is good.