*Campaign Song for Sandongo Sandongo*
_Independent Councillor – Loanja Ward, Mwandi District_
_Symbol: Candle 🕯️ = “Light for Loanja”_
_English Version – ∼5 Minutes When Sung with Chorus Repeats_
_Tune: Call & response, easy for rallies. Beat: 4/4 like “Tiyende Pamodzi”_
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*[INTRO – Spoken over drum beat]*
_Ba Loanja… from Libala to Imilema… from Lukuku to Lipumpu…_
_A new light is coming. The candle is lit. This is Sandongo._
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*CHORUS – All Together*
*Light the candle, light the way!*
*Sandongo brings a brighter day!*
*From Silangu to Sangonya,*
*Loanja Ward, we will not stray!*
*On 13th August, find the way,*
*See the candle, vote that day!*
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*VERSE 1 – From Libala to Lipumpu*
I walked in *Libala*, the children had no desk,
The borehole was dry, but hope was still fresh.
In *Sangonya* the mothers wait for the clinic to call,
Masese is far, but Sandongo heard all.
*Silangu* needs a bridge when the rains come down,
*Pakani* needs a road to take goods into town.
No party sent him, he came on his own,
Independent for Loanja – he’s one of our own!
*CHORUS*
*Light the candle, light the way!*
*Sandongo brings a brighter day!*
*From Nkuse to Lukuku,*
*Loanja Ward, we will not stray!*
*On 13th August, find the way,*
*See the candle, vote that day!*
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*VERSE 2 – Mudala First at Masese*
*Nkuse* village, the elders are tired,
Walking to Sesheke when their knees have retired.
But Sandongo says “No – *Masese Clinic* first,”
Elders 65 and up, you’ll be nursed, not cursed.
Solar on the roof, water from the ground,
Drug list on the wall for the whole ward around.
In *Lukuku* and *Lipumpu*, the word is the same:
“Candle means service – not just a name!”
*CHORUS*
*Light the candle, light the way!*
*Sandongo brings a brighter day!*
*From Imilema to Loanja,*
*Loanja Ward, we will not stray!*
*On 13th August, find the way,*
*See the candle, vote that way!*
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*VERSE 3 – CDF at Loanja Centre*
Come to *Loanja* every Friday – the CDF Desk is here,
No more walking to Sesheke, the help is now near.
Youth of *Lipumpu*, come learn a skill,
Carpentry, tailoring – CDF pays the bill.
Women of *Imilema*, form your group today,
20% for you – the law says that way.
From *Pakani* to *Silangu*, let the message be told:
“Every ngwee on the wall – no lies, no stolen gold!”
*CHORUS*
*Light the candle, light the way!*
*Sandongo brings a brighter day!*
*From Sangonya to Libala,*
*Loanja Ward, we will not stray!*
*On 13th August, find the way,*
*See the candle, vote that day!*
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*BRIDGE – Call & Response*
*Leader*: When the night is dark in *Libala*, who brings light?
*Crowd*: SANDONGO!
*Leader*: When *Sangonya* needs water, who will fight?
*Crowd*: SANDONGO!
*Leader*: From *Silangu* to *Pakani*, who’s our guide?
*Crowd*: SANDONGO!
*Leader*: In *Nkuse* and *Lukuku*, who’s on our side?
*Crowd*: SANDONGO!
*Leader*: At *Masese Clinic*, who puts mudala first?
*Crowd*: SANDONGO!
*Leader*: In *Imilema* and *Lipumpu*, who ends the thirst?
*Crowd*: SANDONGO!
*Leader*: On the ballot, what’s the sign we trust?
*Crowd*: CANDLE! CANDLE! LIGHT FOR US!
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*VERSE 4 – The Pledge*
He lives here in Loanja, not Lusaka town,
He’ll knock on your door when the voting is done.
If he steals from CDF, you can arrest him yourself,
Because a candle that lies gives no light or help.
So *Libala*, *Sangonya*, *Silangu*, stand tall,
*Pakani*, *Nkuse*, *Lukuku* – he’s heard your call.
*Imilema*, *Lipumpu*, *Loanja* agree:
“The work of the village starts with you and me!”
*FINAL CHORUS – Big Finish*
*Light the candle, light the way!*
*Sandongo brings a brighter day!*
*Every village, every home,*
*Loanja Ward, you’re not alone!*
*On 13th August, find the way,*
*See the candle – vote that day!*
*See the candle – vote that day!*
*SANDONGO FOR LOANJA!*
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*PERFORMANCE NOTES – 5 MINUTES:*
1. *0:00-0:30*: Drum intro + spoken intro
2. *0:30-1:15*: Verse 1 + Chorus
3. *1:15-2:00*: Verse 2 + Chorus
4. *2:00-2:45*: Verse 3 + Chorus
5. *2:45-3:45*: Bridge call & response – get crowd shouting village names
6. *3:45-4:30*: Verse 4 + Final Chorus x2
7. *4:30-5:00*: Fade with “Find the candle! 13th August!” + ululating
*Tips for recording:*
1. Add *bicycle bells* and *cowbells* – sounds like Loanja
2. Have *youth shout each village name* in Bridge
3. End with *one candle flame sound effect* +