Zimbe!: Come, Sing the Songs of Africa!

"Zimbe!" is a 40-minute work for SATB chorus, children's choir and jazz quintet with percussion, by the UK composer Alexander L'Estrange. It is a vibrant sequence of twelve African and gospel songs, charting a day in the life of an African village. There are simple children's playground songs from Ghana and Zimbabwe, a Xhosa lullaby for mothers of the victims of Apartheid, a rousing drinking song, and music used on religious occasions. "Zimbe!" will also provide an exciting new repertory piece for choral societies who may be looking for a follow-up to the world-influenced works of David Fanshawe and Karl Jenkins. The addition of the children's choir enables choirs to forge, or renew, relationships with local school choirs.