Livingstonia Synod launches local language hymns

The Livingstonia Synod of the CCAP has launched its new and revised hymns in Tumbuka, Kyangonde and Tonga languages.

The launch was the first of its kind where hymns in three languages were launched at the same time.

Speaking during the event, chairperson for the synod’s spiritual health taskforce Reverend Tokatoka Mughogho said the three hymns contain both the old songs and news songs saying the new songs were translated from other hymn books.

He said the taskforce conducted a survey on spiritual needs of Christians and found that people experience the presence of God when they sing along to spiritual songs.

“There are some songs that people like but were only in Sumu za Sono or the English or Chichewa hymn books, it is these songs that were translated into the three languages and added into the new hymn books,” said Mughogho.

Also speaking at the event was the synod’s general secretary Reverend Levi Nyondo who said the church uses the songs to preach as such he pleaded with the Christians to use the hymn books.

However, he warned against production of the books without the consent of the synod.

“This warning goes to Claim and Bible Society, if they make copies of out hymns without informing us we will drag them to court,” he said, adding that he is aware that some of the synods songs are sung in other churches.

Nyondo also advised the congregation to respect the songs by not changing the tunes accorded to the song.