Swahili Folklore

Sometimes old memories come fl ooding back into one’s mind with nostalgic eff ect.

One day my brain felt like a giant elephant as I hummed old songs and rhymes

that dated as far back as my days in nursery school. My native country Tanzania

was preoccupying me. I felt the urge to share these wonderful childhood memories.

It was time to show my gratitude to all my teachers who made my school days a

joy to remember and also to share the gift of memory with all the children in this

universe.

Th is book consists of nursery rhymes, songs and 20 Swahili folk tales translated into

English. Th e stories were written and submitted by school children from Manundu

Primary School in my hometown Korogwe. In Tanzania, oral lore is a common

tradition of transmitting stories from one generation to another. I did not wish to

see this knowledge get lost but get preserved in a form of written book. Th e nursery

rhymes, songs and animal facts were contributed by me. Th ese were inspired by

memories from my school time experiences and also a wish to instill children with an

appreciation for the wild animals, especially those belonging to the List of Th reatened

Animals.

For every child who wishes to explore their wild and fun side, just fl ick through

the pages of this book and get acquainted with the Swahili folklore and Tanzanian

wildlife. Tanzania warmly welcomes you. “Karibu sana!”