‘N NAMAGOWAB LIED VAN DIE LIER (English)

Poets: Alwyn Roux, Lynthia Julius and Veronique Jeftas

Composer and conductor: Franco Prinsloo

Afrikaanse Weergawe

In 2025, Afrikaans celebrates its 100th year of existence as an official language. To commemorate this remarkable milestone, a unique choral music project was launched that highlights the rich diversity and beauty of Afrikaans. This project, under the leadership of award-winning composer Franco Prinsloo, brings poetry and music together in a celebration that includes the full spectrum of Afrikaans language varieties.

One of the most important elements of this project is the creation of a composite poem representing different Afrikaans language varieties. Three established Afrikaans poets — Alwyn Roux, Lynthia Julius and Veronique Jeftas — were invited to each write a poem in a specific variety (Standard Afrikaans, Cape Afrikaans/Afrikaaps and Orange River Afrikaans). These poems were then carefully woven together into a single, powerful poetic text titled "ʼn Namagowab lied van die lier" ("A Namagowab Song of the Lyre").

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FIADWUdIlQ

Prinsloo set this poem to music in the form of a contemporary lullaby. The middle section of this choral work pulses vibrantly with rhythmic piano accompaniment. This accompaniment supports words that seek to imitate the sound of traditional and indigenous percussion instruments, with a sense of urgency. It was performed and recorded for the first time by the Vox Chamber Choir.

The sheet music is available free of charge to the choral community. There are currently two versions: the original SATB setting as performed by the Vox Chamber Choir, as well as a unison version suitable for solos or communal singing. Choirs and individuals who wish to perform this special work may request it by completing this quick form:

Sheet Music Form

Please ensure that you acknowledge/credit the following when posting any performances and/or recordings on social media or online platforms:

• Franco Prinsloo — Composer/Conductor

• Afrikaans 100

For any other musical works, please contact:

Franco Prinsloo Composer

+27 82 710 6426

francoprinsloo.prinsloo@gmail.com

Copyright Franco Prinsloo Composer (Pty) Ltd (FPC)

FPC is part of the Franco Prinsloo Groep of companies (FPG)