Africa for Kids: Hand Clapping Games from Liberia and West Africa
Africa for Kids: Hand Clapping Games
Oral traditions are central to African history and culture. One beloved tradition is the hand-clapping games played by children across the continent. In Liberia and other parts of West Africa, these rhythmic games mix play, song, and movement, helping children build coordination, memory, and social skills.
At the Africa Heartwood Project Refugee Orphan Home in Buduburam Refugee Camp, Ghana, Liberian refugee children perform three classic clapping games. They sing in traditional Liberian Pidgin English, locally called Coloqwa (KOH-loh-kwah).
Why Hand Clapping Games Matter
Clapping games are more than play — they teach rhythm, coordination, cooperation, and quick thinking. Children learn patterns, remember lyrics, and practice social interaction while having fun.
Three Popular Liberian Hand Clapping Games
Hand Clapping Game #1
Performed by: Rannecia and Promise
Hand Clapping Game #2 — “Oh Mama”
Performed by: Felicia, Victoria, Promise, Jackerline, Temoh, and Princess
This playful song touches on war, love, and daily life in Liberia:
Oh Mama, Mama!
Oh Papa, the war!
The war has make in the Burkina Faso.
I say East, the West.
I met my boyfriend in the ice cream shop.
He bought me ice cream on my wedding day.
Mama, Mama. I'm so sick.
Take me to the doctor, shall be quick quick quick.
Doctor, doctor. Will I die?
No my dear, you will live forever more.
Hand Clapping Game #3 — “Meter Competition”
Performed by: Princess and Temoh
This game measures distances with playful rhythm and counting:
I, I, I, I promise.
Please show me.
Television.
For example.
1 meter… 2 meter… 3 meter (continue until a player misses the pattern).
How to Play Hand Clapping Games
- Choose a partner and a game: Pick a song like “Miss Mary Mack” or “Down Down Baby.”
- Learn the pattern and lyrics: Practice the claps and song until you both remember them.
- Start the game: Stand facing each other, clap to the beat, and sing together. Keep steady rhythm and have fun.
Try These Classics
- My Mother Told Me: “My mother told me (clap clap) if I was goody (clap clap) …” with playful verses about family advice.
- Fire on the Mountain: “Fire on the mountain run run run!” followed by each player saying what they’d do to escape.
