Guarantee you that after this video you’ll be singing the same song for a week.
It’s a song we all know and sing, which was originally written and recorded by Solomon Linda under the title “Mbube” for the South African Gallo Record Company in 1939.
It’s also a song that is univerally loved.
Yes, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” is that old.
There have been many covers and renditions since 1939 but in 1961, a version of the song was adapted into English with the title “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” by the doo-wop group the Tokens.
Their version became a number-one hit in the United States, earning millions in royalties from cover versions and film licensing as a result.
Now meet the Young People’s Chorus of NYC.
It’s fun singing alone in the shower but kids are way more confident and singing with a group in public sounds like a lot of fun.
Besides, this song has so many parts so it really goes well for the group!
Solomon Linda was a cleaner and record packer who spent his weekends performing with the Evening Birds, a musical ensemble in is time.
Their many hours of practice has paid off beautifully.
It was at Gallo Records, under the direction of producer Griffiths Motsieloa, that Linda recorded several songs with other musicians, including “Mbube”, which incorporated a call-response pattern found among Sub-Saharan African ethnic groups, including the Zulu.
And the conductor knew this hence his directions as the kids warmed up.
Listen to him direct each part of the group while the kids continue to hum and sing.
The others join in at exactly the right moment whenever the conductor calls for them to do so.
Comments from viewers understand the skill and meaning behind his work.
“This is what REAL diversity looks like. Young people brought together who share a common interest whose voices combined are so much more powerful than any one of them alone.
We need leaders, like this choral director, who can bring people together, not divide them.”
Another had this to say,
“WOW – Such a dynamic conductor and all of the young men and women of our future right there in NYC singing the perfect song!! Thank you!”
And just look at the smiles on their faces as they sing.
Even the band is having a blast!
Sure they have microphones and equipment but the place seems to provide them with great acoustics.
The blending works so well you can hear each part of the chorus from high to low.
And we’ve all attempted to reach that high pitched whistling part as well.
It’s so much fun to sing this song with so many parts to try.
Karaoke as a group!
Imagine yourself out on a casual walk then you hear soaring voices as one singing a classic. That should make anyone’s day!
These guys and girls deserve more likes so go ahead and enjoy the song then hit that thumbs up for them!
Watch their incredible rendition in the video below!
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