Yeah, I know the world’s a mess. Sure 2008 wiped out your savings and your hopes for early retirement. But take a cue from the people of Africa. When life is good, dance. When life has got you down, move your feet. When troubles are near and God seems far, raise your voice to the sky and sing of your troubles. Quit your whining and start singing because God is good even when life sucks.

What better way to celebrate the new year than with some fabulous music from Africa. Here are some terrific songs to get your feet moving. Each song is an example of the Christian worldview being contextualized into African culture.

1. Hear me, Lord by Oliver Mtukudzi

Zimbabwean legend Oliver Mtukudzi sings, “Hear me, Lord.” An appropriate prayer for this country and in fact for the whole world. What’s striking about this song is the upbeat melody and dancing to what is in essence a song of lament.

HT: My mother in-law  loaned me her Putumayo CD and I’ve been a fan ever since.

2. Ungangidluli Jesu by Insingizi

This is an African interpretation in Ndebele of the hymn “Pass me not, O Gentle Savior” by Fanny Crosby. Two things to listen for here: First, the call and response format of African choral singing. Second, the clicking consonants found in Ndebele and many of the languages of Southern Africa.

HT: Eclexia

3. Nkosi Sikelele Afrika

I’m actually going to give you two versions here. First a classic clip from Paul Simon’s controversial visit to South Africa. This song is now the official anthem of South Africa but back then it was politically hot and even illegal to perform this song publically.

The more beautiful recording is this acoustic version featuring African drums. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to track down the musicians. Also a nice cross section of images of both poverty and beauty in Africa.