Banyana ba banyenyane - a Children song from the Batswana people in South Africa.
Language: Setswana
The song translates to
Re banyana ba banyenyane, // We are little girls,
Re rutiwa ko sekolong. // (we are) taught at school.
Re bala, ngwee, pedi, tharo, nne, tlhano. // We count, one, two, three, four, five.
Re bala, A, B, C, D, E. // We read, A, B, C, D, E.
Opa diatla, thiba ka setlhako. // Clap your hands, (and) stamp your feet.
Re rutiwa ko sekolong. // We are taught at school.
Opa diatla, thiba ka setlhako. // Clap your hands, (and) stamp your feet.
Re rutiwa ko sekolong. // We are taught at school.
This song is targeted at children in kindergarten and/or those who are in their 1st grade at school. It is sung to teach children to count basic numbers (one to five) and basic alphabets (A to E).
There are two movements in the course of singing this song: hand clapping and feet stamping.
When the children sing:
Opa diatla, it is followed by one hand clap.
Thiba ka setlhako, it is followed by feet stamping.
This song is appropriate for ages 6 - 8 years.
Setswana/Sesotho Text is translated into English by Mr. Bernett Nkwayi Mulungo