Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika

Enoch Mankayi Sontonga, arr. Valerie Coleman

2003

Wind quintet (flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, bassoon)

Sung originally as a hymn, Sontonga’s 1897 melody Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika focused on text to stir the heart and give strength to millions during struggles in South African history. Adopted as the African National Congress anthem, and later as the national anthem of South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia, this rendition for woodwinds by flutist/composer Valerie Coleman is upbeat and celebratory.