Performing — Songs (Music)

These notes help you (age 9) learn about singing songs when performing at school, church, or community events in Kenya. Read, practise and try the games!

What is a song?

A song is music with words (lyrics) and a tune (melody). Songs can be in Swahili, English or any Kenyan language. You sing songs alone or with friends.

Parts of a song

• Verse: Tells the story (changes each time).
• Chorus: The same lines that repeat (easy to sing with others).
• Intro / Ending: Start and finish of the song.

Basic things to watch when you sing

• Posture: Stand or sit tall. Feet flat, shoulders relaxed.
• Breathing: Breathe with your belly (not only your chest). Take a deep breath before a long line.
• Pitch: Sing in tune (same notes as the tune).
• Rhythm/Tempo: Keep time — slow or fast. Clap to the beat to help.
• Words: Speak the words clearly so people understand.
• Smile and eye contact: It makes your performance friendly and confident.

Warm-up exercises (5 minutes)

1. Humming: Hum a comfortable note for 10 seconds to feel your voice.
2. Siren: Slide your voice from low to high (like a police siren) slowly 3 times.
3. Do–Re–Mi: Sing the scale: do re mi fa so la ti do (use a simple tune).
4. Tongue and lips: Say “la-la-la” and “ma-ma-ma” clearly to make words easy to sing.

Rhythm game (body percussion)

Copy and repeat the pattern below. Use clap (👏) and stomp (🦶) with friends.

Call-and-response song idea

Leader sings a short line, group answers with the same line or an easy reply. This helps shy singers join in.

Kenyan song examples (to listen to with an adult)

• National anthem: "Mungu ibariki Afrika" (Sing slowly and proudly).
• Children’s songs in Swahili or English used in schools and assemblies (ask your teacher).
• Traditional songs (ngoma/drum songs) from your community — ask elders to teach you.

Local instruments you might hear

Ngoma (drums), flutes, orutu (strings), and other instruments are used in Kenyan songs. These help keep the beat and add melody.

How to practise at home

• Sing the chorus many times until you know it by heart.
• Practice with a friend or family member — they can clap the beat.
• Record yourself on a phone and listen to improve.
• Take small breaks — short regular practice is better than one long time.

Performance tips (on stage)

• Warm up first.
• Stand straight and breathe before you start.
• Look at the audience and smile.
• If you forget a word, keep singing the tune or hum until you remember.
• Enjoy the song — your joy helps the audience enjoy it too!

Short practice plan (10–15 minutes)

1. 2 min: Warm-up humming and siren.
2. 5 min: Sing chorus and verse slowly, clap the beat.
3. 3 min: Sing with expression (loud/soft parts).
4. 2–5 min: Try the song while standing as for a performance.