This song is available on Katherine Dine's Hunk-Ta-Bunk-Ta Holidays:
Songs and StoriesThat Celebrate Global Light
In 1966, Dr. Maulana Ron Karenga started the tradition of “Kwaanza” or “first fruits of the harvest.” During Kwaanza, African Americans exchange gifts, honor each other, and light one black, three red and three green candles in a candle holder called a Kinara. The candles represent “Nguzo Saba”— seven important principles for honoring the African American heritage. Black stands for the Black people, red for the bloodshed and green for the land.
KWANZAA! KWANZAA! KWANZAA! KWANZAA!
Seven candles. Seven nights. Seven truths to learn for life.
Seven numbers. Seven ways. Seven reasons to celebrate.
Kwanzaa means first in KiSwahili
For Family, Community and History
Habari Gani? What’s happening?
It’s First Fruits of the Harvest or
KWANZAA! KWANZAA! KWANZAA! KWANZAA!
Nguzo Saba are the principles
Making African heritage more meaningful
Umoja is the first for unity
nation, race and family. KWANZAA! KWANZAA! X 2
Kujichagulia is number two
Self-determination, and what anyone can do.
Ujima is number three:
Collective work and responsibility! KWANZAA! KWANZAA X 2
Seven candles. Seven nights. Seven truths to learn for life.
Seven numbers. Seven ways. Seven reasons to celebrate
Ujamaa, is cooperative economy
Where everyone benefits financially
Nia stands for purpose-- it’s number five,
The reasons for keeping tradition alive. KWANZAA! KWANZAA! X 2
Kuumba is six for creativity
Imani is faith in everything we believe!
So fill up your homes and hearts with light
And keep these principles burning bright
KWANZAA! KWANZAA! KWANZAA! KWANZAA!
Seven candles. Seven nights. Seven truths to learn for life.
Seven numbers. Seven ways. Seven reasons to celebrate. KWANZA!
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Many thanks to Katherine Dinesfor permission to display these lyrics.
©2019 Kiddie Korral Music. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
