Pata Pata: Choral Instrumental Pak
As performed by Jerry Ragovoy / As performed by Wes Montgomery / As performed by Miriam Makeba / Arranged by Audrey Snyder
Item: 35-PK00308628
$20.00
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Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
| Product | Price | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Pata Pata - Guitar: Choral Instrumental Pak | $7.00 | |
| Pata Pata - Electric Bass: Choral Instrumental Pak | $7.00 | |
| Pata Pata - Drums: Choral Instrumental Pak | $7.00 |
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Description
This song is the signature hit of South African singer Miriam Makeba. It's in the Xhosa language and with its irresistible groove, you can't help but get on your feet!
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00308628
More about this title
About the Artist: Jerry Ragovoy
Jerry Ragovoy (1930-2011) was an American songwriter and producer who became a central figure in soul and R&B music during the 1960s. His compositions, recorded by artists across multiple genres, bridged pop sensibilities with deeper emotional resonance. Ragovoy's work with Miriam Makeba on "Pata Pata" introduced world audiences to South African music and demonstrated his gift for crafting infectious melodies that transcended cultural boundaries.
Why we love this
Audrey Snyder's arrangement captures the infectious energy of Makeba's original while remaining accessible to young singers. The piece opens doors to South African musical culture and language in a way that feels celebratory rather than educational, which keeps students engaged and genuinely enthusiastic about performing it.
What to expect
Irresistible forward momentum meets joy. The groove sits under everything, giving performers and listeners something to move with rather than sit through. There's an infectious lightness here without any loss of depth or cultural respect.
Who it's for
Choirs seeking repertoire that energizes both singers and audiences while representing global voices. This works equally well for community choirs, school groups at intermediate level and above, and mixed ensembles looking for something contemporary yet grounded in a rich musical tradition.
How to get the most out of it
- Keep the groove locked and consistent; the rhythmic pocket is what makes this arrangement dance. Rhythmic precision matters more than dynamic range here.
- Encourage singers to feel the Xhosa language rather than worry about perfect pronunciation. Native speaker recordings can help, but authentic phrasing comes from embracing the natural speech patterns of the words.
- Let the arrangement breathe between phrases. Snyder builds momentum throughout, so resist the urge to rush; trust the forward motion built into the score.
- Engage the entire ensemble in the physical energy. If singers can feel safe moving slightly or swaying with the beat, the performance becomes contagious rather than just entertaining.
How to use it
Pair this with other world music selections to build a concert around global perspectives, or use it as a second-half opener to shift the energy after more introspective work. It's equally effective as a finale that leaves audiences smiling and energized.
Skills your students will build
- Maintaining rhythmic precision in syncopated grooves
- Interpreting non-English text with cultural sensitivity and authentic phrasing
- Balancing lyrical independence (different sections may have different material) while supporting an overall groove
- Understanding the relationship between accompaniment and vocal line in popular and world music contexts