Seven Principles of Kwanzaa

• Elisabeth Ross
• Posted 11/17/23
• 0 comments

Drumming

Suggested Grades: 3-5

National Core Arts Standards 

#1 — Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work. 
#2 – Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
#3 — Refine and complete artistic work.
#11 — Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.

Objectives 

• Identify and discuss the seven principles of Kwanzaa. 
• Layer the seven principles of Kwanzaa rhythmically to create a drumming ensemble. 

Materials

• Tubanos 
• Variety of World Music Unpitched Percussion Instruments. 

Overview

Students identify and discuss the seven principles of Kwanza before layering these words together rhythmically to create a drumming ensemble. 

Lesson 1: Seven Principles of Kwanzaa

1. Discuss the history of Kwanza. 
2. Optional: Read Kevin’s Kwanzaa by Lisa Bullard and Constanza Basaluzzo  – a picture book about the seven principles of Kwanzaa. 
3. Identify the seven principles of Kwanza, discussing each. 
   • Umoja – Unity (oo–MO–jah) 
   • Ujima – Collective Work and Responsibility (oo–GEE–mah) 
   • Kugichaguila – Self Determination (koo–gee–cha–goo–LEE–yah) 
   • Ujamaa – Cooperative Economics (oo–JAH–mah) 
   • Nia – Purpose (nee–YAH) 
   • Kuumba – Creativity (koo–OOM–bah) 
   • Imani – Faith (ee–MAH–nee) 

Lesson 2: Creating Vocal Ostinati

1. Review each of the seven principles of Kwanzaa and the significance of each. 
2. Speak each word rhythmically with body percussion – pre-teaching students’ instrument parts. 
3. Divide students into groups pairing different rhythms together. 
   • Grouping Suggestions – these are just suggestions on rhythms that work well together. 
     • Umoja & Ujima 
     • Nia, Kuumba, & Kugichagulia 
     • Ujamaa & Imani 
4. Repeat until students can speak and perform all seven layers on body percussion. 

Lesson 3: Drumming Ensemble

1. Review each of the seven principles of Kwanzaa and the significance of each. 
2. Review the words rhythmically with body percussion  
3. Transfer to percussion instruments – pairing different rhythms together. 
4. Repeat until students have layered all seven parts. 

Suggested Final Performance

• Nia 
• Kuumba 
• Ujamaa 
• Umoja 
• Ujima 
• Imani 
• Kugichajulia 

References

A&E Television Networks. (2021, December 8). Kwanzaa. History.com. https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/kwanzaa-history  

Smithsonian. (n.d.). Kwanzaa. National Museum of African American History and Culture. https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/initiatives/kwanzaa  

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