About This Item
The Laughing River is the story of two fanciful African tribes - the Funga and the Alafia - in conflict until the laughing river bubbles melodiously into their lives, bringing fun, friendship and peace. This enchanting lyrical folktale brings love and laughter into the lives of young and old. The Laughing River is a blend of several fascinating African elements. It was inspired by an African greeting song in the Yoruba language, which is spoken in Yorubaland, a West African area within Nigeria that is inhabited by a number of different tribes. The fictitious tribes, the 'Alafia' and the 'Funga,' are modeled after the Yoruba people, particularly the Oyo. Inspiration was also drawn from the religious beliefs of the Bunu tribe, who occupy a region in Northern Nigeria. The song 'Che Che Koolay' originated in Ghana. The theme is peaceful conflict resolution. (By the way, there is also on the market a full-color hardcover picture book by Elizabeth Haze Vega that tells the lively story of The Laughing River and includes accurate written music on the pages. The book includes easy-to-follow, illustrated instructions for making and playing a drum, as well as dance steps and hand motions to accompany The Laughing River songs. It encourages read-along, sing-along, dance-along participation and is particularly enjoyable while listening to The Laughing River musical CD). Elizabeth Vega is a talented Orff musician, teacher and performer. She was born in Chicago and was educated in the United States and Europe. The daughter of a musically-talented Presbyterian minister, Ms. Vega began her musical training at an early age, and in her teens, she traveled to thirteen countries, perfornimg vocally in international competitions. While studying in Vienna, she was introduced to, and became a devotee of, the Carl Orff approach to teaching music. Ms. Vega holds several academic degrees, inclu
