Mama Lisa's Books

Does Anyone Know any Nursery Rhymes in Kirundi?

Kirundi is a Bantu language spoken in Burundi, Tanzania, Congo-Kinshasa and Uganda. We were recently asked about Kirundi nursery rhymes (in the following note)... Hello; my name is Anyesi and was wondering if you could please send me the Nursery rhymes in Kirundi.  Thank you:) If anyone [...]

Does Anyone Know a Song called Moja Numba?

Vivian wrote asking about the song "Moja Numba".... Hello, I have heard a song called Moja Numba, which I believe is Swahili.  It was recorded by M'EarthTones.  I contacted them, but even they weren't able to tell me the origin.  I'd like to know what the words are and [...]

Can Anyone Help with the African Song Kourilengay?

Karen Mackenzie wrote to me looking for help with a song called Kouralengay.  It's most likely from Tanzania or West Africa.  Here are the lyrics, midi tune and score... Kouralengay kalenkana Chum chum pa Koura lengay kalenkana Chum chum pa Ona ding onka Ding ding ding Midi Tune of [...]

Baa Baa Mbuzi – Baa Baa Black Sheep in Swahili

Mandi Robinson wrote: I spent 2 years in Tanzania with my children, we used to sing baa baa mbuzi, unfortunately I only know a little bit of it could someone help me with the words tafadhali, :D I found this version by Sajida on Youth Community: Baa baa black sheep in kiswahili goes: Baa Baa [...]

Mama Lisa's World News and Multimedia Features

A significant part of the Mama Lisa sites is a large collection of songs and nursery rhymes from around the world. We currently have about 750 songs from around 90 countries and cultures. When you consider how many languages there are in those cultures – that's a lot of information! In [...]

Can Anyone Help with a Cuban Rhyme/Finger Play that starts with “Chiquitica así”?

Jeannie Backer wrote to us for help with a Cuban Finger Play. Here's her note... My mother from Cuba used to sing a song/rhyme to usthat I only partially remember, maybe you have heard something similar. It's not a song as much as a cute thing that a child says to adult to ask for

The [...]

About the Song “Cooma Lotta Veesay”

We received the note below with the song “Cooma Lotta Veesay”. Many variations of this song exist, including “Kumala Vista”. It also shares lyrics with the action song called “Flee, Fly, Flo“. Here's the email: “In the late 1950s, we lived near a [...]

Does anyone know this version of Catalina Matelina?

Dennis Lytle wrote to us asking for information about a rhyme: “Any info on the rhyme my parents taught us would be appreciated... I tell you bout vat girl of mine vat looks so sveet and dress so fine, vat come from Dootchland on the Rhine a couple of veeks ago. Her eyes are blue [...]

Make a Dragon Card for The Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year is on February 10th this year. It's the year of the Dragon! The dragon symbolizes power, nobility and ambition. Since dragons are so cool, I decided to make homemade cards featuring them. Fortunately, there's a free tutorial online showing how to draw one. You can purchase [...]