Kwanzaa for Young People (and Everyone else!), composed and produced by Charles Mims and Patsy Moore, is a delightful set of songs representing each of the seven principles and culminates in a Kwanzaa dance. In addition to an array of instruments represented on this recording, children and adults are involved throughout in groups or as soloists.
The Kwanzaa celebration, a 1966 creation of Dr. Maulana Karenga, is a seven-day celebration beginning on December 26 and ending on January 1. Each of he seven days is represented by a candle (one black, three green and three red) and governed by a certain principle.
The CD opens with Umoja as a rhythmic and instrumental background cheerfully conveys its message of unity. Kujichagulia (self-determination) is a fun word to say and is cleverly worked into a repetitive melodic/rhythmic pattern, allowing one to easily sing along after only a few phrases. It is always easy to remember the word afterward! The rhythm-and-blues flavored Ujima, with its short phrases and simple rhyme scheme, will delight young people with its quick accessibility. Two stories are narrated pertaining to Ujamaa (cooperative economics).
The word "ujamaa" is chanted throughout, once again allowing one to "know" the word after the CD has ended. The wonderfully rhythmic Nia (purpose) is presented as an effective spoken call and response. Kuumba (creativity) carries an important message for children — not only to express their creativity, but to share it as well ...
- American Music Teacher
 
Kwanzaa invites African Americans to renew their cultural roots. Since its inception in 1966 — when Dr. Maulana Karenga created the seven-day holiday to celebrate African culture — Kwanzaa continues to attract families, and today millions around the world observe it. Kwanzaa for Young People (and Everyone else!) presents a lively musical feast for the ears while teaching the holiday's seven principles. The original music and lyrics are varied and inventive. The voices include children and adults, and the instrumentation (piccolo, flutes, sax, oboe, English horn, percussion and keyboards) swings. The lyrics are clear, and students will find the meaning behind Umoja, Kujichagulia, Ujima, etc. accessible and easy to remember. Perfect for teachers wanting to infuse their holiday programs with new life, this recording will enliven classroom and family discussions and celebrations of Kwanzaa.
- School Library Journal
 
Kwanzaa's seven principles are delightfully illustrated in original pop and R&B songs sung by children and adults. This celebration contains simple lyrics that will enable all to enjoy the inspirational messages of unity, self-determination, work and responsibility, support for community, purpose, creativity and faith. The guide contains the song lyrics, making this an excellent sing-along program. The eighth song is a review of the seven principles. Excellent production values.
- Los Angeles Unified School District Recommended Audiovisual Resources Committee
 
A beautifully produced, inspirational pop and R&B celebration of Kwanzaa, the life-affirming African American winter holiday. Performed by children and top-notch adult musicians and vocalists, the ebullient and original songs, named for the candles that symbolize the holiday's universal principles, offer stirring messages of unity, self-determination, work and responsibility, support for community, purpose, creativity and faith.
- Parents' Choice
 
The seven principles of Kwanzaa are clearly, thoughtfully, and pleasantly illuminated by the songs in this collection. Presented in order of celebration, they are: "Umoja" (unity); "Kujichagulia" (self-determination); "Ujima" (working together); "Ujamaa" (supporting one another); "Nia" (purpose); "Kuumba" (creativity); "Imani" (faith). A great addition to a family's Kwanzaa library. Consider as a resource for classroom, home-study, of Kwanzaa, diversity units, or winter holidays.
- Parent Council
 
During Kwanzaa, the week-long holiday created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, families light a candle each day to honor the holiday's seven guiding principles. On this joyous album composed by Charles Mims and Patsy Moore, each track takes one principle as its theme. There's "Umoja" (unity), "Kujichagulia" (self-determination), "Ujima" (collective work and responsibility), "Ujamaa" (cooperative economics), "Nia" (purpose), "Kuumba" (creativity), and "Imani" (faith); a finale, "Kwanzaa Dance," incorporates all seven. Infectiously upbeat, these Africa-spiced selections are performed by a lively group of child and adult singers and musicians. The lyrics are simple enough for young kids to follow, and the music sophisticated enough to engage older ones. Put on this album and get ready to celebrate.
- Disney's Family Fun Magazine
 
The catchy songs and chants on this collection incorporate lively African-influenced percussion, explore the seven principles of Kwanzaa and present a positive and inspirational message to children about themselves — and their place in the world as well.
- Nick Jr.
 
Your baby probably won't grasp the seven principles of Kwanzaa this year, but you can introduce her to the words through music with Kwanzaa for Young People. Songs on the CD describe the valuable lessons of this cultural holiday.
- Small Talk