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Ladysmithblackmambazo
Written by Joe Raposo
Date 1987
Publisher Jonico Music, Inc.
First Episode 2360
Sesame_Street_African_Alphabet

Sesame Street African Alphabet

Kermit and the Anything Muppets sing "African Alphabet."

PaulSimonLBM

Live-action version with Paul Simon.

"African Alphabet" is a Sesame Street song performed in two different season 19 inserts, both involving the South African a cappella group Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

One version was performed by Kermit the Frog and a group of Anything Muppets (voiced by Ladysmith Black Mambazo), made up of five different patterns: Fat Blue, Lavender, Pumpkin, Purple, and Reddish Magenta. The creatures of the savanna, including numerous frogs and birds, sing along as well. Kermit recites a short story in which each word begins with a consecutive letter of the alphabet as they are sung.

At the end of the song, the chief asks Kermit, "Iphi imali?" This is Zulu for "Where is the money?"

Another version of the song was performed by Paul Simon and Ladysmith Black Mambazo, a cappella style. This version omits the story verse. (First: Episode 2431)

A worm parody of the group, "Wormsmith Black Mambazo," later sang the song in Episode 3448.

Notes[]

  • The Paul Simon version was taped on May 4, 1987 and was directed by Jon Stone. The Muppet version was also directed by Stone and was taped on December 18, 1987.[1]

Releases[]

Audio
Video
Special
Online

See also[]

Sources[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Documents provided by trusted source
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