Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika (Lord Bless Africa)
Originally written by Sontonga in 1897, this was later adapted and became the South African national anthem.

The Rainbow Warrior
Words: Patricia Middleton, Music: Douglas Dimm

‘When the earth is sick, the animals will begin to disappear. When that happens the Warriors of the Rainbow will come to save them.’ - from a North American Indian prophecy.

Babethandaza
(They used to pray)- Traditional South African

This traditional song has a number of variants – We enjoy the lively beat and wonderful African harmonies.

White Horses – Brian Bedford

Inspirational words and with a lovely lilting melody from Brian Bedford.

Cantilena – Karl Jenkins

The music from the Cheltenham and Gloucester TV Commercial

The Rebel Soldier
Traditional American Civil War tune, arranged Marsh/Worthington.

This song delivers the very poignant message of a soldier who wishes he had never become involved in war.

We Circle Around - Traditional

A Native American chant used in circle dancing.

Thuma Mina (Send Me) – Trad Zulu

This song is the most popular version of ‘Thuma Mina’ sung in South Africa. It was also sung in the ANC camps outside South Africa, where it took on an additional meaning as young comrades volunteered to go on a sortie back into South Africa.

Withered and died – Richard Thompson.

This beautiful folk song came to our attention through the folk singer Kate Rusby.

Breaths – Y M Barnwell

A lovely song by ‘Sweet Honey in the Rock’, with a positive and optimistic view about death.

Peace Words and music: Manny Lapincao, arranged Maggie Hamilton.

A song from the Philippines, which laments the destruction of the environment and is also a cry for peace.

Dear Mathilda
Traditional, 3rd verse, Brian Bedford

We first heard Artisan sing this love song with a difference. It always provides some welcome light relief!

Sitholile Inkululeko (We’ve Got Freedom)
Trad Zulu tune, adapted by Pule Montingoa, South Africa. Arranged by Maggie Hamilton.

This was sung and danced by the ANC choir at the Presidential Inauguration of Nelson Mandela on 10th May 1994

Shine on Me – Trad Gospel, arranged, Mundy-Turner

When we first met Cath Mundy and Jay Turner, they taught us this song as a warm-up prior to recording ‘Refugee’ with them.

California Dreaming - Phillips/Phillips
arranged by Allen/Worthington

This song was first recorded in the 1960s by the Mamas and The Papas.

Iona Boat Song – Traditional

Collected by Hugh Roberton, who as well as writing some of the words, described it as the tune to which monks of old rowed the dead kings to their resting place on the sacred isle of Iona.

All I have to do is Dream/The Tide is High

unityvoices have enjoyed performing ‘Dream’ for some time, and when we added ‘The Tide is High’ to our repertoire, we noticed that the chord structure was the same. We couldn’t resist putting the two together.