Song of Lacica

By: Jane Okot P'Bitek, Langoya

Song of Lacica: A Poetic Product of the Song School Tradition

Song of Lacica is a powerful, soul-stirring poem that reaches deep into memory, grief, and hope. Jane Okot p'Bitek Langoya brings to life the voice of Lacica, a wise grandmother who recalls an ancient betrayal that shook her people and continues to haunt generations. From this story of pain and loss comes a wider reflection on family, leadership, unity, and the traditions that once held communities together.

This poem can not just be read quietly. It is to be heard, felt, and remembered. Its lines echo the rhythms of song and oral storytelling, carrying proverbs, prayers, and chants that speak across time. With each verse, Langoya calls us to look honestly at the ways culture is being eroded, when children are neglected, ancestral land is sold, or the wisdom of elders is ignored. Yet the lament also carries a yearning for renewal, for healing, and for the rediscovery of values that give life meaning.

What makes this work unforgettable is the way it bridges the old and the new. While honouring the poetic tradition pioneered by her father, the renowned Okot p'Bitek, Langoya's voice is uniquely her own. It is tender yet unflinching, lyrical yet urgent.

Reading Song of Lacica is like sitting by the fireside, listening to the wisdom of elders, while also being challenged to act in the present. It is an invitation to remember who we are and to choose a future rooted in dignity and unity.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9913687225
• ISBN13: 9789913687225
• Release Date: April 2026
• Publisher: Jane Okot P'Bitek Langoya
• Length: 184 Pages
• Weight: 0.56 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.0"