Oral Poetry from Africa
Palm wine is an alcoholic beverage created from the sap of various species of palm tree. This is a popular Yorùbá song in praise of the drink.
Alimotu of the gourd
Lamihun in the fibrous clump…
Another Yorùbá funeral song from Nigeria. (See also the poem ‘Slowly the Muddy Pool Becomes a River’).
The hunter dies
and leaves his poverty to his gun…
Another set of praises for the Òrìṣà Ògún. Ògún is one of the most popular Òrìṣà, both in Nigeria and across the Caribbean and the Americas. Known as the god of hunting, iron and warfare Ògún is both a violent destroyer and a heroic leader who delivers strength and justice to society.
Now I will chant a salute to my Ogun:
O Belligerent One, you are not cruel…
An Oríkì (praise poem) in praise of Dada Areogun, one of the most famous Yorùbá carvers in wood (1880–1954). Born in the village of Osi, now known as Osi-Ilorin in Ekiti state. See the Ere-Yorùbá site for more information about Dada Areogun.
Dada, who has Ogun’s money to spend.
The end of his cloth is knotted like an infant’s umbilical cord…
A lively example of a Yorùbá poetic tradition known as Iwì Egúngún, the chant of the masked dancers. Masquerades feature on festive occasions, such as a chief’s appointment, the funeral of a prominent person, the dedication of a shrine, the visit of someone important.
Offspring of Abilodesu, listen to my words
One with disordered head pad…
