Abraham Ọlátúbọ̀sún Oládàpọ̀ is a Yorùbá poet, playwright and music producer whose prowess as a performer has earned him the praise name of ‘Odídẹrẹ́ Ayékòótọ́’ (‘The Loquacious Parrot’).
In 1977 Oládàpọ̀ founded Ọlátúbọ̀sún Records to seek out, produce and promote traditional poets from across the Yorùbá country. I am delighted to publish here a translation of a track from the Ọlátúbọ̀sún Records archives, a performance by Ọlátúbọ̀sún Oládàpọ̀ himself that illustrates the flair and proficiency of ‘The Loquacious Parrot’.
Here the poet advises that the individual who aims to succeed in life must become ‘deaf and fortified’ so as to avoid petty distractions and the criticism of nay-sayers.
Odídẹrẹ́ Ayékòótọ́
You are very much welcome…
