Uta Wena
The Kingston Trio · Other Songs - The Kingston Trio
Ameniza bala la la, ameniza bala la,
la, ameniza bala la, la, ameniza bala la.
(Counter melody)
Uta wena, uta wena, bawo we the uka da a banto kwakho.
Waba dala, waba dala baba bini, bayindo da ne nha zana.
Wali the the ne loli silli,
semi yo kwa anamklanje. Umntu maka,
umntu maka, shiyn yise amanya nay nomfay wakay.
Uta Wena
The Kingston Trio's 1961 recording of 'Uta Wena' stands as a pivotal moment in American folk history, marking the group's transition from traditional American ballads to the incorporation of African American spirituals and gospel. Originally a sacred hymn from the African American church tradition, the song was adapted by the trio to reflect their evolving musical identity and commitment to social justice. Their arrangement, characterized by harmonies and a driving rhythm, brought the spiritual to a wider, predominantly white audience during the early Civil Rights era. This recording exemplifies the group's role in cross-cultural musical exchange, blending the acoustic folk style they were famous for with the profound emotional weight of the source material. The track remains a testament to the Kingston Trio's versatility and their dedication to preserving and amplifying marginalized voices within the folk canon.