Bana ba Sekolo - "School Children" (Is a nursery rhyme of French origin, adapted into a childrens song by the Batswana and Basotho people of South Africa. This song is famously known as Brother John in English and Frere Jacques in French.)
Language: Setswana and Sesotho
The song translates to
Bana ba sekolo. // School Children.
Bana ba sekolo. // School Children.
Tlang sekolong! // Come to school!
Tlang sekolong! // Come to school!
Utlwa tshipi ya lla! // Hear the bell ring!
Utlwa tshipi ya lla! // Hear the bell ring!
Ting! Dong! Pelele!
Ting! Dong! Pelele!
This song is targeted at school children who are in their 1st and 2nd grades at school.
It is sung mostly in the mornings as a call to the children to come to class (often it is sung at recess, serving a similar purpose). This song is appropriate for ages 6 - 8 years.
It must be noted that this song is also credited within the Basotho people. The text is similar in both languages (Setswana and Sesotho) with the exception of one word. In the Setswana text we have the word: "Tlang", and in the Sesotho text we have the word: "Tlong". Both words have the same meaning which is "come". However, they are written and pronounced differently.
Setswana Text is translated into English by Mr. Bernett Nkwayi Mulungo