Beautiful Nubia: Lyrics

Beautiful Nubia and the Roots Renaissance Band - “Oriojori – Eternal Spirits”
All songs written by Segun Akinlolu. (English translation in italics). © & ℗ Olusegun Akinlolu/EniObanke Music. SOCAN/ASCAP

1. iMoremi
This song celebrates the selfless sacrifice of Yoruba matriarch and heroine, Moremi, who gave her only child, Oluorogbo, as a sacrifice to save her people. Today, Oluorogbo is a prominent deity in Yorubaland.
“Mother calls and I hearken
She bemoans her loss,
“He that I gave that the Earth may know peace
My only one whom I gave up for you
My beloved son, Oluorogbo, ascends into immortality”
Descend, mother, descend
Descend, Moremi, descend
She mourns, she wails, she calls
Olurogbo lives forever…”

2. Nightime in Africa
Don’t know when the moment’s gonna come
They say it’s getting nearer, soon coming
Don’t know if the sky is gonna fall
In flaming red on Monday
Doesn’t matter who you are
When you are dancing with me
Don’t have all the answers to the riddles
Just stay in motion, keep going
Don’t know what the morning will deliver
But this very moment I’m feeling truly, really good
Doesn’t matter where you’ve been
When you’re dancing with me
It’s nighttime in Africa, we’re cruising again
It’s nighttime in Africa, we’re rolling again
It’s nighttime in Africa, we’re grooving again
It’s nighttime in Africa, we’re sailing again
(To everyone hearing this music, folks from far and near,
let it move you, body and soul)

3. Oriojori (Eternal Spirits)
(Listen friend, I’m just doing my own thing; obeying my instincts and talent.
Competition is a waste of time) I am the sun, I am the rain
I am the wind blowing good your way
I shine the light for the one who lives in darkness
And even if they come to take me out
A thousand more will take my place
We are eternal, eternal spirits
I stand up strong against the forces of evil
Speak the truth; I will not be bought
I sing aloud of the ancestors’ wisdom
And even if they try to cut me down
A million more will take my place
We are eternal, eternal spirits

4. Masters of the Earth
Some people think
They own everything in the world
And they can rob and cheat and be strong
But they are wrong
Some people say
We can shout and fight all we want
They will always have their way and be gone
(Yes, that day will surely come
When the saviour will be absent
And the deliverer will be impotent
The godfather, he will be silent
Our time is limited, live a selfless life) Some people live
As if they’ll be here forever and they will
Always be the masters of the earth
Someday will come
When even the most powerful man
Will fall on his knees and cry like a baby

5. Araromi
(Here is all I desire, I am comforted
Beautiful one with delicate eyes
In my low moments, I recall your smile
And I am inspired.
Here is all I desire, I am satisfied
Peacemaker, harbinger of wealth
In moments of weakness
I recall your words and I am strengthened.
Return, beloved, please
Stay and share these good times
Come home, sweetheart
Stay and share these good times
In our home, sweet home)

6. Farabale
You will never walk alone
I’m always with you my friend
On the road to heartbreak now, moving too fast
Basking in the morning sun, reaching for happiness
On the road to renewal, we’re getting real strong - Keep your head up!
(Tread gently, take it easy
Life requires patience) There’ll be many days like this when the going gets too tough
Darkness and endless pain but it won’t last
We leave a trail of happiness
We are the lucky ones my friend
On the road to redemption now, we’re getting real strong - Keep your head up!
Even when the road is rough
Brother, even when the tide is high
Even on a stormy day
Keep your head up!

7. EniObanke Gangan
In the song, the artist takes the position of the village poet and entertainer. Imagine an open traditional marketplace…
(Here comes the King’s entertainer, call both the old and the young
Here comes the merrymaker, get on the dance floor
Death will not visit your home; illness will not be your lot
Cheer up friend; today’s your special day
Bend down and dance; stand straight and dance - dearest one, beloved of the King.
Dance with ease; dance with your front, back, and your feet - my darling, beloved of the King.
Loosen up, D-Day is here and your body is fit
Here comes the merrymaker, set up the dance floor…)

8. The Happiness River
Somewhere deep down in Africa
Runs a river, full of mystery
It’s been there since the beginning of time
And they call it the happiness river
People go there to be reborn
And discover the purpose of life
If you take a dip with your worries
You’ll emerge to a new dawn of hope
Oh yes we call it the happiness river
Flows from east right down to the west
And if the day is dark or the road be rough
We’ll keep on smiling; we’ll go down no more
Everyone is in this journey of life
The little ones, the weak and the old
Every man is his brother’s keeper
And every woman is the mother of all
On the road to redemption
There are many who fall by the wayside
But if your soul is pure
And your purpose is right
You come along, raise your voice
And sing the song
Oh yes, we’re sailing the happiness river
Flows from east right down to the west
And if the day is dark or the road be rough
We’ll keep on smiling; we’ll go down no more
Oh yes, we’re sailing the happiness river
Hand in hand, reaching for the sky
And if the day is dark or the road be rough
We’ll keep on smiling we’ll go down no more
Let hate depart from you,
Open your heart today
Let the spirit of love come shining through
We are up like the birds and we’ll fly again
We will fly again like the birds
And you’ll come with us
There’ll be no more pain - just one love

9. Ifesowapo
(Love is our bond
May that which binds us never disperse us
If we commune in purity, it shall be well with us
Virtuous living is our bond
May that which binds us never disperse us
The good life is ours, we’ll thrive and never fail
A foolish being says there’s none like him
Countless others have walked this path
Eventually everyone departs.
Truth is our bond
May that which binds us never disperse us
If we commune in purity,
We will thrive and never fail
Smile; good fortune awakens with you
Dance with abandon - forward ever!
Blessings daily, may you suffer no loss
Smile; good fortune awakens with you
Walk, swiftly, up the path of progress
Let your ways reflect your good breeding
Joy in your work, may you suffer no loss
The wicked one fools only himself
Countless others have walked this path
Eventually, Truth will triumph)

10. Road to Redemption
Bombs falling from the sky to buy your freedom
What manner of freedom you gonna get?
They’ll taint your women, corrupt your children
Time passes by and you never learn
So you go down on your knees and pray to a foreign god
And you scream and shout and fast and no one answers
You read your holy book and wait for deliverance
Time passes by, you never learn
Brother don’t you see we gotta wake up
The answers are not far from our noses
We’ve got to liberate our minds my sister
Time passes by, you never learn
Time passes by; you’re still the same
You turn your back on hard work and wisdom
Stretching out your hand for compassion and charity
Your children become strangers in their own world
Time passes by, you never learn
You silence all your prophets and good sons and daughters
Stamp out all contrary opinion
You’re a slave to money and possessions
Time passes by and you never learn
Sister, don’t you see we gotta wake up
The answers are not far from our noses
We’ve got to liberate ourselves my brother
Time passes by, you never learn
Time passes by; we’re still the same
Bombs falling…
The road to redemption may not be easy
But I’ll walk with you all the way…

11. OmoAgba
(Chosen one, you’re now in the place of riches
Don’t misbehave, don’t act rashly
Chosen one, now that you’ve come into wealth
Don’t misbehave, don’t act rashly
The well bred don’t give in to anger or violence
Gentle soul, nation-builder
Chosen one, now you’re in the place of power
Don’t misbehave, don’t act rashly
They need you, the poor, out there, looking to the heavens
They need you, the downtrodden, out there, looking for succor)

12. We Live Here Too
As it was in the beginning, so it is in these times
Man’s greed knows no bounds and he will trample
On anything and anyone in his search for glory
And the quest for wealth and fame
But the inheritors of pain cry out
“We are here!” and I am there too
Yes lord, I am here; we live here too
Don't underestimate us, we’re not fools; watch us!
We’ve seen the likes before
Mighty armies straddling the whole world, seemingly unbeatable
But, just like time, everything passes
They will fall, they will scatter and their armor
Will be of no use in the hands of the master
And the witnesses of history cry out
“We are here!” and I am there too
Yeah lord, I am here; we live here too
Don't underestimate us, we’re many; watch us!
Soon will come this time, I’m saying
When the king of the north marches upon the lands of the south
Pestilence, anger and anguish walk hand in hand
On this terrible day when the sun turns dark
But it’s only just for a while
A new day cometh, bright new dawn, sun shining, happy people singing
“We are here!” and I am there too
Yes lord, I am there; we live here too

1. MONKEY WEAR SHOE

A satirical take on corruption and poor leadership. Details the story of an individual, left in charge of the common inheritance, who squanders and depletes the purse. The song directly addresses the subject, as if the speaker and the listener are face-to-face, makes jest of his deceitfulness and laziness, and highlights his options for personal redemption.

Ibaseje awo soludigbe o
Lanti lanti patan labe ewe
Ilu oke ni mo lo o ti gbe’le yen ta
Omo apa ni won npe ru ‘re o
Ibaseje f’otesola o
Oro re ni mo ro d’odo agba
Iye sunkun, baba f’owo le’ran o
Won l’omo eniyan won o se gb’ara le o
Monkey dey wear shoe, e think say e be fine guy
Alabosi ore tuletule, wookowooko e o r’oju ole
Iwa ibi ni o je o r’alajogbe
Gbogbo nkan o ma le je tire o
Ibuso l’enu ka ti jeun k’a yo
Oro ofun lo ma nf’ori re ro
Agba omo a se bi majesin
Igba kan o lo bi orere o
Osan ba o wi, o l’o ni gbo
Ale ba o so, o l’enu re nrun
Eni s’ole, ole ni o ja gbehin
Ha, nba mo ni kehin asebi o
Eniyan meji i padanu iro
B’eni a pa fun o mo, eni npuro mo’ra re o
Seb’oju awo l’awo mi fi gb’obe o
Ng’e s’ode, mo kan dake ni o
Eniyan o s’awon na k’esin l’oro
Jeje mi ni mo ma nlo’gba iwa
Eni to mi, se niyen ntu le agbon o
Bi o so’ra yio ma j’ijo ete o
Ile ba o so, o l’o ni gbo
Oke ba o wi, o l’enu re nrun
Eni s’ole, ole ni o ja gbehin
O ba te’pa mo’se ola nbo wa da o

2. KO DA NKAN

The protagonist in this song makes a bold assertion of his independence and individuality in the face of personal threat and dismissal:
Being barred from your space is not the end of the world
I can still reach my goals outside your sphere of influence.
History tells us that there have been others as powerful and wealthy as you
But what became of them? They passed on and were forgotten.
This is not the end of the line, I am a man of hope

Ma yo s’ile mi mo
Kii se kuro l’aye ore mi
Sebi ‘le aye ohun o da nkan
Ma rin l’ode mi kii se jade l’aye k’o mo gbo o
Ani ‘le aye ohun o da nkan
Baba olowo ana, onile gogoro nko, awon da?
A wa won titi, a o ma ri won mo
Iya wo-ki’lu-mo akomoleru, awon na nko?
Ile mu won, a o ma gbo won mo
Bobo olokiki ti gbogbo aye nwa riri fun
Won ba ‘le lo, a o ma gbo won mo
Arewa ko-si-ru-mi, ate ‘le bi eye
Won lo’gba, igba wa lo won, a o ma gbo won mo
Eni aye nfe, eni aye nfe
O le d’ota ilu lola, eni aye nfe
Eni o r’owo mu, eni o r’owo mu
O le d’oloro l’ola eni o r’owo mula nmi
Eni aye nponle, eni aye nponle
Won le tu’to ete si, b’oro o ba gun mo

3. SOMEONE LIKE BIKO

Weariness in my soul, pain in my heart
See you there little child, fear in your eyes
The road ahead will be rough, we seek the land of hope
No vision, no clear direction
Only the fittest of the fittest shall survive and that’s why
I’m crying for the future
I worry about the future
I’m working for the future, yeah
Will we ever truly be happy
Will we ever know the good life
Will there ever be justice and equality for all?
So give me a man like Malcolm in this time
Someone like Sankara with the love of his people
Show me a man like Neto in this time
Someone like Biko…
Then we were slaves taken away from here
Now we’re still slaves right on our own land
Nothing is settled my brother, the battle rages on
We’re still the pawn in the game
And half the story is never told and that’s why
I’m fighting for the future
I’m working for future
I’m looking to the future, yeah
Will we ever really be free
Will ever stand up and fight
Will we ever speak together in one voice?
So give me a man like Cabral in this time
Someone like Lumumba, with the passion of youth
We need men like Garvey in this time
Someone like Biko…
So give me a man like Shaka in this time
Someone like Nkrumah, with the love of his people
Show me a man like Boro in this time
Someone like Biko…
Weariness in my soul, pain in my heart
Close your eyes and sleep child,
Everything is going to be alright…

Songwriter’s Note:
The African heroes and martyrs mentioned in this song include: Thomas Sankara, Patrice Lumumba, Malcolm X, Kwame Nkrumah, Agostinho Neto, Steve Biko, Amilcar Cabral, Marcus Garvey, Isaac Boro and Shaka Zulu. You can read about each at the respective weblink below – but that’s only some of the story…
Steve Biko: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Biko
Thomas Sankara: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Sankara
Patrice Lumumba: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrice_Lumumba
Malcolm X: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malcolm_X
Kwame Nkrumah: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwame_Nkrumah
Agostinho Neto: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agostinho_Neto
Amilcar Cabral: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amilcar_Cabral
Marcus Garvey: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Garvey
Isaac Boro: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_Boro
Shaka Zulu: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaka_Zulu

4. ATUNDA ERE

We stand there talking and some folks start mouthing off
We are not competing with anyone, just doing our own thing
If you come over to our place, we shall welcome you with joy
And you can get on the dance floor, move as you please
It’s dancing time and here’s your song
Our band makes the music of rebirth
And you can get on the dance floor, move as you like
Take us to the ‘high place’
Take us higher and higher, and higher still…
Won l’epe ni p’osika, odale ni p’ore o
Arigisegi o, sebohun l’eru o pa
Epe ni p’osika, odale ni p’ore o
Ise owo eni, la o fi da ni l’are
A duro a mi s’oro, awon kan p’awon l’agba oye
Awa o b’eni kan du’po, jeje la nmi
Eni wa wa de’le, tayo terin la o pade re
Pelu ijo onisuru l’ese o
Ijo ti ya o, orin re o
Awon egbe wa l’o ma mi s’atunda ere
Ijo ti ya o, orin re o
Ara to ba wun e ni o ju s’ile o
Eni l’owo l’owo, ti nse bi alaini o
Oro aye o to nkan o ka ma ranti
Eni ba s’ise kara se b’o ye ko l’asiko igbadun
Ololufe ma gbe’se bo nikankan
E gbe wa d’ori ogun, egbe wa de ‘bi ogbon
Ani e f’ona han wa o k’ale to le
E gbe wa de bi t’o ga
E gbe wa de bi t’o jin
E ma to wa o, k’aye o ye wa
E gbe wa d’ori ogoji
E gbe wa koja egberun
Ayo pelu alaafia, ori ire
E gbe de bi ogorun, e gbe wa koja egbeta
E ma to wa o, ka ma sina

5. KING OF PROCRASTINATION

All of my life I don dey try o
To be the best I can be
To be somebody’s hero
But I am the king of procrastination
And now that you’ve come my way I really see o
Your beauty glows in the dark
My former life was a deep hole
You are the queen of illumination
So here I stand, wash me woman
Make me clean, put a new song in my mouth
Don’t give up on me now…
Time has passed again I’m in the shadows
The darkness come anew
My lonely feet grow heavy
These are the days of tribulation
But then, I hear your voice calling out
You beat a path through the jungle
You’ve got a smile on your face
You’re reaching out in invitation
But girl I’m afraid my past will never let me be
They say old habits die hard
Don’t give up on me now…
Today we meet as planned at the crossroads
I’ve got my offering ready
I go down on my knees o
And plead with the Lord of confusion
But you, you have eyes only for me o
Your plate is full of riches
You treat me like a hero
You feed me love and devotion
Yes queen I am ready
Hold me woman, make me strong
We’ll be together through the storm
Don’t give up on me now…

6. TERAMO

A song of encouragement –
Keep your focus tightly on the future, keep your eyes on the goal
It may be rough going but the winner is he who perseveres and weathers all storms
Everything has its time and season, every man gets his own moment
Arm yourself through hardwork, truthfulness and patience
Prepare and be ready for your turn

Arakunrin te’ra mo, te’ra mo,
Te’ra mo ’se, ibere i s’onise
Ololufe te’ju mo, te’ju mo,
Te’pa mo ‘se, ola nbo wa da
Arabinrin te’ramo, te’ramo
Te’ra mo ’se, ibere i s’onise
Ololufe te’ju mo, te’ju mo,
Te’pa mo ‘se, ola nbo wa da
Asiko laye, bi o ba i yi kan ni,
A da bi eni’pe eniyan o mo se rara
Sugbon ti ‘gba ba to, ti ‘rawo eda nta
Ko s’eni t’o le di ni l’ona
Fi ‘dera fun wa, oba fi ‘bukun fun wa
Wa fi‘se yin wa o, k’a ma d’ero eyin l’aye o
Fi ‘dera fun wa, oba fi ‘bukun fun wa
K’ojo aye wa ko gun k’oloyin
Fi ‘dera fun wa, oba fi ‘bukun fun wa
K’a ma s’ise asedanu, k’a ma d’ero eyin l’aye o
Fi ‘dera fun wa, oba fi ‘bukun fun wa
K’ojo aye wa k’o dun kan le
Igba ma l’ola, yiyi ni yi kan ni
Eni o ni suru ni t’oju bo ‘le kiri
F’owuro sise, k’o f’otito si o
Sebi suru l’oju, oba iwa


7. LOCUST SEASON

You know that many of us, we miss those days of harmony
And we’ll like to see them again
You know that many of us, we miss those days of innocence
And we’ll like to see them again
Tell me where are you now Victor Banjo?
We look to the sky and the stars are gone
Only vultures feeding off the backs of the poor, the weak and the people’s frustration
Tell me, where have you gone Kaduna Nzeogwu?
The sun doesn’t shine in the east anymore
And the west no longer sees any ray of hope
And in the north, in the south, it’s locust season
So tell me, where will it berth this floundering ship?
The storm is gathering and the moment comes
When denial will no longer be enough
And the horrors of the past will be exposed
So tell me how will you gag millions of voices?
The season of reckoning is drawing near
When the people come together to make a new pact
On how to live together or move apart
E don tey wey we dey talk am
No be today o, no be today
(It’s long we’ve been talking about this, not just today)
We seek justice and liberty
Truth and honour in high places
We seek freedom and prosperity for all
We seek an end to poverty in this land…

Songwriter’s Note:
The historical figures mentioned in this song are Lt Col Victor Adebukunola Banjo and Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu. Two charismatic and brilliant soldiers who embody the many unanswered questions about the fate and destiny of the geographical entity called Nigeria. Each one, in his own way, represents the unfulfilled promise that the Nigerian project has been to its people.

8. AGO ONILE

In this song, the band announces its arrival at an imaginary home or rendezvous -
Greetings! Here we are, learned progeny of the ancestors
We come from the place of wisdom –
The evil-doer inherits evil
Those who sow seeds of goodness shall reap joy
Spread wealth, tread gently on your way
Befriend Truth, make this land a better place
That we may all have comfort

Ago onile a ma de awa ni
Eyin wo nu?
E kaabo o!
A ti nreti yin!
E ma wo’le o!
A de, mo seb’awa na ni EniObanke gangan, a tun de
A ma de o, ko s’ewu l’egberun eko, e ma ba wa kalo, a tun de
Lati ‘le ogbon -
A de, seb’awa na ni, omo odo agbagba, a tun de
Eni ba se’re -
Ire ni o ma ri, eni ba si se’ka, abamo ni o je l’ode aye
E f’iwa s’ola -
E f’ola m’ebi, f’owo m’aradugbo, enikan o m’ehin ola, e ye
Te jeje -
Yiyi l’aye nyi, eni kan l’ote yi, e ba je a rora s’aye
F’otito s’ore -
K’aye o le r’oju, e je a tun ‘le yi se, k’ara o ro gbogbo wa, e ye!


9. OHUN MERIN

Grandmother told me the secret of a rewarding life
If we desire positive change, we must walk and work together in unity
It will not be easy, but we must persevere and each one must play his part
Grandmother told me something else –
There are four things that are inimical to social peace
Deceit, Selfishness, Greed and Skulduggery
Let those who seek the path of growth learn patience
The dawn of freedom is nigh

Ara, mo gbo’ro kan o l’enu iye mi agba
Won l’afenifere o, won o s’opo l’aye
Agbajo’wo iyen s’oun laa fi so’ya
Ka-rin-ka-po ni’sokan
Ani mo gbo’un t’odun l’enu iye mi agba
Won l’eni ti o j’oyin apata ki w’enu aake
Ki ma i s’oju boro laa gb’omo ekuro
Ore mi gbe’ra nde
You stand for your right, I stand for me
Everyone must play his part
We ask for the truth, demand for justice
Only love will set us free
Mo ma gbo’un t’odun l’enu iye mi agba
Won l’ohun merin ni nbe o ti o j’aye o gun
Aisotito – o nbe ni’be
Ainitelorun – o nbe ni’be
Imoteni nikan – o nbe ni’be
Ote – iyen nbe ni’be!
Ara mo gbo’ro kan o l’enu baba onirungbon
Won ni imo iwe yen o, o se pataki, o joju
Sugbon ogbon awon agba, se yen n’isenbaye
Ko se f’owo ro s’ehin lailai
Ani mo gbo’un to dun l’enu Asabi olomowewe
Won ni abanise yen o, won o po bi abanilo’gba
Akinkanju e rora, ogbon l’oro yi o gba
Ojo ominira nbo kankan

10. EYES ALWAYS OPEN

Eyes always open
Sun no dey sleep, sun no dey sleep
Ever shining bright
Ever burning bright

(English translations in italics)
1. Coming Soon
I come from a world where rivers sing a song
And every tree has its place
We love the land, the valleys and the hills
And we know who made them all
Come into my village, feel at home my friend
We’ll make you pounded yam while you sip some palm-wine
Come leave behind your preconceived ideas,
Into our world of love
I come from a world where rivers sing a song
And every tree has its place
We love the land, the beasts and the birds
And we know who made them all

Down by the river we made a vow
Said we would never be afraid
No matter what may lay ahead, we’ll stand for what is right
And once again we’ll be masters of the land – hardworking, honest people
Yes like my mama said years ago
You know that everything will be alright
So let them do what they will, we know the path we must follow
And the words of our fathers will guide us all the way to victory
So sisters when you get a bit weary
Put a little song in your mouth
And let the words ring across the land
You know that everything will be alright
Change is gonna come and it’s coming soon

The night was full of merriment
Drumming, singing we rejoice
Lovely maidens led the way and everyone danced along
Soon the darkness covered everything
Turn by turn we made for bed
With a little smile from my mama saying everything will be alright
Now I dream of the past and the many days of promise to come
Yes, I am more than ready to bear my burden with a smile
So come, brother, come along to the farm
Raise your head with pride
Together we will reform this land, everything will be alright
Change is gonna come and it’s coming soon

2. Se’untoose
Omo o ba ma j’aye ori re l’ode
Ojo mbo wipe o ni le lo’gba
Ile aye eda bi iseju akan ma l’o ri
Oba je a lo’gba yi pe o l’aye
Omo o ba ma s’ise owo re l’odo o
Igba mbo kankan o ni le lakaka
Ile aye eda bi iseju akan ma l’o ri
Oba je a lo’gba yi pe o l’aye

Se’untoose ore ojo nlo o
Kirakita o d’ola, seb’ori l’o nla ni
Amose o d’oro eda ni gbe ni

(Hey, do your thing while in season,
Soon you will be history.
Man’s passage like a flicker of light,
Gone in the blink of an eye.
May our fruiting season be long.
Do your thing, time passes.
Hustling has its day
But the gain is not always palatable)

3. Harvestime
You know the truth the say will set you free
And if you play it right you win the game
The race is not for those who are swift
The crown will be won by those who wait
Se b’eyin l’e l’oni o, e de nsi’wa wu
Eni to l’ola nbo l’ona won nsa’re
Oba to l’ojo gbogbo ki ma i sun
Enit’o moye a be yin o, ke te’ti
(It may be your turn today
But those who own tomorrow
Are already in the race
The knower of all things never sleeps
Words for the wise!)
So you can sow your seed and watch it grow
Harvestime is near and we will see
It wouldn’t matter who you know or seek
Time is up and you will pay the price
Ore mi ta’fa s’oke f’odo b’ori
Esan o ni s’ai ke, o le pe o, k’o gbo
Arigisegi, modaru, apa, obayeje
Igba otun ma de tan, mo ma nw’ona k’e gbo o
(Warning to the corrupt, the wicked,
Destroyers, defilers of the land and the people
The season of payback cometh, beware!)
Se b’eyin l’e l’oni o, e de nsi’wa wu
Eni t’o l’ola nbo l’ona won nsa’re
Oba to l’ojo gbogbo ki ma i sun
Enit’o moye a be yin o k’e te’ti
Otito koro ye o, ko dun l’eti
Oro etan iyen ma l’o po ju
Eni a wi fun oba ma je o gbo o
Eyi a kilo fun, ma je o gba l’asiko
Se b’eyin l’e l’oni o, e de nsi’wa wu
Eni t’o l’ola nbo l’ona won nsa’re
Oba to l’ojo gbogbo ki ma i sun
Esan ika le pe sugbon o nbo, ke gbo o

4. Kurunmi Is On The Way
Lately when we see them, they talk about change
They say it is their turn now to be leaders of the people
Tell them I’ve been there many many times before
And no one can trick me with honey mouth again.
Lately when we meet them they flex their muscles up
The talk about bravery and courage never seen
Tell them I know book o and heroes wey no beg
Real man na for action, no be for mouth o.
Here comes the fire-eating guy
My lord with arrows in his eyes and burning anger
Let no one stand in his way
This land will never be the same again.
Here comes the fire-spitting guy
Aare Kurunmi is on the way with his sword of justice
Warn all the liars and pretenders
The day of reckoning is here, beware!

Lately when we see them, they talk about their conquests
The many battles fought in the trenches for your rights
If you ask for evidence na award you go see
And many many honours from foreign bodies o.
See them on the street now preaching to the crowd
The true test of a leader is to lead right in front
And be responsible when things go wrong
No be to dey run and make excuse o.
Children you will learn and you must never forget
The past is full of heroes from whom we can learn
And real lessons to guide us today
Many many stories to make us proud too.
Lately when we meet them they count up their losses
The pains and the scars of their vain struggle o
Kurunmi lost five sons all in a day
But he never wavered till the very last stand

Okunrin ogun ni Kurunmi o, ki s’ojo
Akinkanju ni Kurunmi o, ki s’ole
(Kurunmi, fearless man of war!)

5. Onilenrele
Idera de, e jo e yo - ara e wa, e jo, e yo
A k’onile, e ma k’alejo
A k’eni ti ns’eto k’o le da o
Abanise at’awon abaniro
E wa jo, e wa yo, e wa gb’orin t’odun o
A ma gb’ere otun wo’lu o, ni gbedemuke
Pa ’ronu re, e jo, e yo
E k’omode e ma k’alagba o
E k’eni ti ngb’ero k’o le da o e
Abanigbe at’awon abanito
So ‘tiju nu, e jo, e yo
Gbogbo aye l’a pe ma s’afara
L’agbo n’ibi enikan o ga ju kan lo o e
E gb’emu wa ki baba f’adura si

Iran o ni gbe yin lo o, ijo o ni jo yin o
Iru nkan ayo bayi laa ma ri
Mo wa fe da’rin kan bayi, s’e gbe?
Oba gba mi o, ojo nlo, onilenrele won, gba mi o, ojo nlo o
Olofin orun, adaniwaye, enis’ojuse’mu, eni to ran mi wa,
Adanib’otiri, oba aiku gbanigbani l’ojo ewu
E ma ri se o

(Behold a new season of comfort and happiness
Come forth, people, let’s dance and celebrate
Warm welcome to all the planners, the builders,
Those who work for the common good,
And those who sow in honesty and truth.
Here we come with a new song, everyone is welcome
Bring the palm-wine, let the old man say his prayers:
Deliver us Mother of Wisdom, Father of Light,
Night comes and friends depart
Deliver us, before it is too late.)

6. Irinajo
Irinajo omo ni’le aye o, y’o l’adun, y’o dun j’oyin
Oro ileri y’o si se o, b’o pe o, b’o ya o
Irinajo wa ni’le aye o, y’o l’adun, y’o dun j’oyin
Oro ileri y’o si se o, b’o pe o, b’o ya o
Oh, akololo a pe baba, eni gbin wura a se bebe
Oh, onikaluku ni y’o jere ise owo re b’olojo de
(Our passage through this existence shall be filled with happiness
It may be long but each will get his due, good or bad.
It may tarry, but soon the covenant of the ages shall come to pass)

7. Tetisile
O nja’gbo ja’ju kaakiri
Wahala wo o l’orun, o r’oju r’aye
On f’oju mi s’ona, mo nro nipa ti’re
Iba dara ko gbo’ran, k’olutunu wo’le
Te’ti o, k’o gbo o, ololufe mo nsoro, te’tisile k’o gbo

A nm’eye bo l’apo, o ni funfun ni bi,
Ainisuru yi o, ni o je o ri’na
Oun t’o nle lo s’oja nbe l’ehinkule o
Iba dara k’o gbo’ran, k’olutunu wo’le
Te’ti o, k’o gbo o, ololufe mo nbebe te’tisile k’o gbo

Ile aye a wa o, a f’oba f’ile ni
Oro inu e yi ko ma l’ayole o,
Ohun t’o nwa mo’ya, ogun ajeji ni
Iba dara k’o gboran k’olutunu wo’le
Te’ti o, k’o gbo o, ololufe mo nkilo, te’tisile k’o gbo

O nja’gbo ja’ju kaakiri
Wahala wo o l’orun, o r’okan ba’le,
Ile mi wa sibe sisi ni’lekun wa,
Jowo je ngbe e s’aya k’olutunu wo’le.
Te’ti o, k’o gbo o, ololufe mo nwo’na te’tisile k’o gbo
Kaabo!
(You hustle day and night, life like a burden on your head
You make me worry about you so
If only you would listen to the words of comfort
And learn to rest your soul)

8. Revolution Time
Living in a real and true revolution time – fight the good fight
(Stand firm, stay the course)
Gotta wake up now from deep slumber
Break away the chains that hold us down
True freedom does not come to those who sit and pray,
Stand up raise your voice and be heard, living true.
Time to throw away the yoke of slavery
We’ve been used and abused far too long
Even as I speak the exploitation continues
The master takes the gold and we get the pain, just like before.
Doesn’t matter the colour of his skin
The man in Washington only cares for America
So when you need some help, don’t you go there for salvation
Gotta learn to depend on ourselves and look inwards.
Gotta wake up now from deep slumber
Break away the chains that hold us down
Seek ye first the peace of the neighbours all around you
Make this house of a place of happiness just like before

9. The Pleasure Is Mine
Sometimes bad things happen to good people
And no matter what you do, you can’t get out of your own way
The wind of change blows and soon things will be better
So remember, my friend, the pleasure is mine!

10. Owolamo
Owo l’a mo, a o fi t’iwa se
Aif’ote si’le ni o j’aye o gun
Se b’oju l’a nwo, a o wo ti’sese, oun l’eni ete se nd’ere ajibo
On n’iru won se nd’eni a nmu j’oba

E w’omo adanu ti n fi’na s’abe orule
Gbogbo igbimo e si dake e nwo’ran
Tal’olugbala ti o yo wa ninu ofo yi
Owo ara wa l’a o fi gbe ra wa
Ais’otito ni o j’aye o gun, aibikita ni so’le di’gbo ara mi o
Tal’olugbala ti o yo wa ninu ifaseyin
Owo ara wa la o fi tu ra wa

E w’apaniyan ti nyan fanda l’ojude l’osan
Eje alaise iyen nke rara
Tal’olugbala ti o yo wa ninu ofo yi o
Owo ara wa la o fi gbe ra wa
Abo oro la so f’omoluabi o
B’o de ‘nu re a d’odidi
Tal’olugbala ti o yo wa ninu igbekun yi
Owo ara wa la o fi tu ra wa
(We are easily deceived by appearances
Slaves to the superficial, we are taken in by flashy promises
Well, who do we cry to now that our land
Is infested with leaders worse than vermin.
Today’s pain and loss, the children of
Yesterday’s greed and selfishness.
And only we can save ourselves)

11. This Burning House
Well, you know the sun doesn’t shine the way it used to
And if it rains or not, the land is not the same
Danger comes around in these winds of destruction
Living in denial in a house that’s burning down, you better wake up

Come, let’s take a trip to the melting polar ice
Seems all you can see are the money possibilities
Why not open your eyes to the dire consequences?
Man’s greed has gone full circle and it’s time to wake up
There’s a sense of urgency that is needed now
Got to take some action before it is too late to fix it

We pollute the air and the birds have flown away
Poison the sea and the fishes disappear
Cut down all the trees and the land is now a desert
Time is jumbled up and the seasons are all mixed up
When the sky is gone and new troubles are born
Running round in circles as nature takes revenge and payback
In the cesspool of pollution, every living thing will suffer
My dear child, tomorrow is not so certain
Burning, burning, this house is burning down
Money, money, that’s all we care about…

© Segun Akinlolu/EniObanke

Brother in Arms (Ise Mbe)
Darkness falls in your heart
Can’t get up, can’t stay down
You think this must be the end of the line
But I’m here by your side, holding on, holding tight
Come on friend, let’s move on to a higher place
Let’s go, scion of the brave
We were meant to overcome and we will
Be strong, eschew doubt and fear
Duty calls!

Sitting here on your bed talking of struggles gone
And the many dreams we cannot achieve
Painful scars and near-misses
But we’ve gone way too far
To be thinking of turning the other way
Let’s go, scion of the brave…

So when you feel the pain will take you down
And you can’t go on
Remember here I am your jolly brother in arms
No matter what may come
We’ll shake the world just like we said
Come on friend, let’s move on....


Kilokilo
Do you see as they maltreat us,
Surely you must feel this injustice?
Life has become a tale of regret
We have come to you wise ones,
Masters of time, knowers of riddles
Our lament has become a river of tears
Bad leaders multiply and fraud is a way of life
Would you please go ahead and chastise them?
All our pleading has fallen on deaf ears
But was it not you who said hard work
Is the key to success and the patient one laughs last?
So how come the evil flourish?
Time drags on and still no sign of retribution…

Wa Bu’ra
(An old man recounts the days of his youth
Recalls how he met his wife of forty years in a dancehall)
I was a dashing but bashful bachelor in those days
But once I beheld this lady,
Something drew me to her,
We danced so well together others left the floor to us
And with buckets of sweat dripping from our bodies,
I asked if I could be her friend…the rest is history.
Some folks would say a partnership
Born in a dancehall is bound for the dump.
That hasn’t happened in our case
Still going strong after all these years.
Forget the grey hair young man,
When it comes to dancing, we’ll run circles
Around the likes of you.
Here, let me call her…Amoke o!

Je Je Je
Going my own way, not looking for trouble
Going my way, working for the good of all
And it will be well, mother?
Yes it will…
May the blessings of this earth be ours
May our days be long
May our fertile wombs bear good fortune
Hear our plea, lift us high
The good times will return
But we must be patient, we must be brave
And tell ourselves the truth
And it will be well, mother?
Yes it will be well…

K’a Jo Ma Se Po
Come my friend,
How do we rise above this cloud of sadness?
And who will deliver us
From the grip of suffocating darkness?
Darling, hold me tight and let in some comfort
Come along to my home of wealth and happiness
This darkening sky only promises much-needed rain
Together we shall deliver light
And spread joy all around
A new dawn is here
I have found a place of comfort
I glow in rare courage
Inspired by the certainty of your love
In unity, with kindred spirits,
Shall we uproot all wickedness
And consign these wicked leaders
To the bin of forgotten history
I’m living like a king
But you know you are the ruler of my heart
I’m reaching for the stars
But your love is in my heart
Shining so bright!
Darling, hold me tight and let in some comfort
Come along to my home of wealth and happiness…

Prayers For You
We bring you greetings and prayers for blessings
From the elders and from the young
May you prosper, may you have peace
And may your days be filled with happiness
I’m saying prayers for you, my people
That if you walk, may you not stumble
And if you stumble, may you not fall
If you fall, may you be able to rise up
And if you can’t, may there be someone to help you up
If there’s no one, may you have music
If there’s no music, remember my love is with you
I’m saying prayers for you…

Everywhere You Are
Dance our wife, dance!
Your moves hypnotise tens of thousands
Your gyrations transfix hundreds of thousands
Dance pretty maiden, dance!
You are the one
Who pulled me up and gave me strength
Though I’m alone, I know you are always with me
Wherever you go
My heart will never leave you lady
I’m everywhere you are
Evil men tempt me
In their eyes I see no love
But I’ll be strong just for you
I will not be moved
Time and time and time again
I’m in a place I don’t want to be
And a weakness comes over me
But your words keep me going on
You are the one…
A man who has nothing to die for
Has no reason to live
And when you are giving out nothing
You shouldn’t expect any return
I stand firm (2ce)
I will not be bought, I am not a slave
I stand firm (2ce)
I am like a rock, I am so strong
I will not be moved!

Everybody Knows
Here we come Mr. Magicman
Tell us the future, show us the way
Here we come for another trip
“Anyone for miracles?”
Of course everybody knows it’s all lies (2ce)
When you come with tales of loss
Try to tell the people what’s not
Think you can get away with silly lies
Everyone is on to you
And everybody’s got your game
So when you think you’re fooling us
You’re only fooling yourself
Of course everybody knows it’s all lies (2ce)
So come, brother give it up, give it up
It’s time to make a change
Come, sister live it up, live it up
We must be strong, very strong
So come, brother give it up, give it up
Before it’s too late for you
Come, sister live it up, live it up
There must be a better way
You have been living a life of abandon
You have been robbing and stealing from the poor
You’re like a naked fool running on the street
It’s time to seek the path of love
This is the beginning of change
Time our master has come to judgment
And these destroyers will be paid back in full
Those who make my people cry in pain
This is the beginning of change
See the multitudes bursting out in joy
Our dance of victory just around the corner
A new season of happiness is here

Mama Bendel
I still remember the old days
When I was young and in school
My mind will wander to when I was so confused
And I was never sure of whom I was
I was living far away from home
I missed my family and my friends
But out of the gloom there was a woman
Who kept us laughing into the deeps of the night
And we called her Mama Bendel
To her we went for our meals
She made amala the way I liked it
Mama Bendel - She was always there
She put the shine in my dull days
She knew how to make a stone laugh
She knew how to lift my dark clouds away
She told me stories of how she grew up
As a young girl in a village far away
She painted a world of happiness
And taught me the things mother forgot to teach
She talked about love and pain
And what you must do to keep your head
Up above the storms of life
She was Mama Bendel
She would sing and dance
To soothe my young soul
Mama Bendel - Honest and true
She was the queen in my little world
Now Mama Bendel is gone away
She died in her sleep a few years ago
They said just before she left
She gave everyone a smile and said
“I’ll be seeing you very soon”

Down The Street
I was going down the street one day
I saw this little girl by the roadside
She was sitting on the floor, crying in her hands
What could make a little one so sad?
So I stood a moment by her side
And I tried to clean away her tears
Baby cry no more, wipe away your tears
Tell me what is on your mind
And she said, “Where is Papa gone?
Where is Mama gone?
Where is Rori gone my friend?
Where’s my brother gone? Everybody’s gone”
The little baby cried and cried
So I cleaned away all her tears
Shared a joke and then let her talk
In her little child voice she told a story
Now I’m the one who’s shedding tears

My Mother’s Fatter Than Yours
People’ll say anything they like
And they’ll do whatever they want
People’ll say anything to make you feel small
My child is better than yours
My brother’s stronger than yours
My sister’s prettier than yours
And I am richer than your whole family
My house is bigger than yours
My father’s taller than yours
My mother’s fatter than yours
And we are richer than your whole family
They tell you if you don’t hustle
You cannot make it
But if you hustle your way into trouble
Then it’s all on your head
Have you forgotten the words of our elders
That many roads lead to the market?
So get up on your feet,
Follow your dreams, do you own thing
Don’t run someone else’s race
There is a different season for everyone
As the moon rises does the sun set
Only the patient will reap the bounty of life

To See The Sun
I like to see the sun
Shining out from your eyes
I like to feel your love like the rain falling down
Something in the air when you do the things you do
You’ve got the magic wand and I’m a slave to your rhythm
Sun, sun shining up, out from your eyes
Rain, rain here we go, spirit is alive you feel it
Moving like a leaf dancing in the wind
Set your water free, I really want to flow with you
It’s you we’ve come to see
Sexy lady with the beguiling smile
We love your beautiful ways
Sonorous songbird, it is you we’re hailing
Get your shoes on, it’s time to dance o
Get your moves on, it’s time to party
Move you waist from right to left o
Get your shoes on, it’s time!

© Segun Akinlolu/EniObanke

Muku-I-muku
It’s so nice to see people come together
To share love and happiness in a place of harmony
And the children – singing, dancing, chanting
Ore e wa, e je k’a lo, ore e wa

Ore e ba mi kalo l’agbo Beautiful Nubia
Seb’orin la nko nibe, seb’ijo la njo nibe o
Ara e ba mi kalo l’agbo Roots Renaissance
Seb’ere la nse nibe
Ko si wahala ni’bi rara
Ni muku i muku – ni mukulumuke
Ni wemu, ni wemu

Omode nbe nibe, awon agbagba o gb’eyin nibe
Omobinrin po jaburata, awon omokunrin o gbe’yin rara
Alakowe nbe nibe, awon onise owo nbe nibe
Awon agbe o gbe’yin nibe, omo’lewe po jaburata o
Olomoge nbe nibe, awon iyawo’le wa nibe
Alaboyun po nibe, mama agba ro’ro ofi won jo
Ore e ba mi kalo…

B’ebo ba di gbigba, ijo l’o ye wa
Adura wa gba, erin l’o ye wa
B’ebo ba di gbigba, ilu yi a toro
B’ebo ba di gbigba, aye wa a toro mini

Higher Steps (O Mbo Wa D’ero)
It’s so nice
See you on your feet now
We gotta move on up
Never give in to the pressures around us
The winner is the one who doesn’t give up
(Don’t worry)
Remember, a man’s his own best friend
Nobody can put you down unless you give in sister
Life is a fun game if we play it right
(Keep moving)

Ore o ba ma ma mi’kan rara o
Ko s’ohun t’o mbo l’oke t’ile o gba o
Seb’aye l’a ba, aye la o fi sile si
Gbagbo p’ohun t’o le mbo wa d’ero

O mbo wa d’ero ore mi o – ohun to le, mbo wa d’ero
O mbo wa d’ero n’ile o
O mbo wa d’ero l’oko o
O mbo wa d’ero f’omode o, f’agbalagba
O mbo wa d’ero fun gbogbo wa o
I’m taking higher steps
I’m going higher places
You can come along with me
We’ll do it together if you want

Ore o ba ma ma mi’kan rara o
Ko s’ohun t’o mbo l’oke t’ile o gba o
Seb’aye la b’ohun gbogbo, aye la o fi sile si
Gbagbo p’ohun to le mbo wa d’ero
Ara mi e ba ma ma mi’kan rara o
Ko s’ohun kan tuntun l’abe orun ye o
Aye la b’ohun gbogbo, aye la o fi sile si o
Gbagbo p’ohun to le mbo wa d’ero

Eleko’dere
Eleko’dere seb’o l’o j’ere 2ce
O nro’so dudu, o si nro’so pupa
O nro’so dudu o si nro’so funfun
O f’aimu gbaja o si tun lekenka o
Eleko’dere seb’o l’o j’ere

Asiko Eledumare lo dara,
Ka f’oun gbogbo s’Oba mimo lowo
Ki se ti ka joko jebete
Ki se ti ka joko regedi
Ise mbe pupo lati se
Ki se ti ka joko bebere
Ki se ti ka joko roboto
Irin mbe pupo lati rin o
Asiko ti to ara mi o, asiko ti to 2ce
Asiko ti to fun wa o
Ara mi, asiko to to fun wa o
Ka bo l’oko eru
Ka bo’wu iya sonu
B’ise o ba pe’ni seb’enikan i pe’se

Ohun oju nri
Ohun oju nri enu o ma ni le so o
Ohun oju ri omo o ma ni le so bo de’le o
They say we’re free and colonisation is a thing of the past
But look around you people
Time is going by and we still can’t get it right
They our land is the home of poverty and disease
and we’re treated like second-class citizens of the world
Our leaders run around begging for help
When the solutions are right here at home with us
The future of the this land is in the hands
Of every man and woman, young and old
Everyone of us has a share in the blame for the failure of society
See, we‘re still slaves economically,
We‘re still slaves politically,
We‘re still slaves ideologically
But I’ve got a song to sing
Je a gbe’ra kuro o ninu ogbun aye,
Ore e so’ra, e dakun o, a ma njin si koto
Je a gbe’ra kuro o ninu ogbun aye
A ni e mu’ra, e so’ra o, a ma njin si koto lo o

We’re trying to fix things from the top to the ground
But the way to solve it is from the ground upwards
Lasting change begins at the individual level
Everyone dips in the pot but no one replenishes
Have you forgotten the rules?
Without love there can be no truth, justice and peace
We must turn our backs on selfishness and greed
Go back to our culture of community - all for one and one for all
Not just every man to his own
We must go back to the land
A nation that cannot feed itself
Will always remain subservient to others
We’re still slaves to material wealth,
We‘re still slaves to religion,
We‘re still slaves to foreign ideals
But I’ve got a song to sing

This land will be a great place one day
A place where dreams come true
Our hope is in the children
Teach them to love their fellow man
And never to judge anyone by the colour of their skin, religion or language
Teach to be proud of our culture
And the values of hardwork and perseverance, honest and humility
Treat every child like your own
For every child, no matter the circumstances of his birth,
Is a beacon to this glorious future
Teach them to be strong in love
And never look down on themselves
Teach them to be strong
And learn to hold their heads up wherever they may go
Teach the children to sing this song of pride
And let them sing it loud and clear:
I’m not ashamed to be who I am
I’m not ashamed - I’m a proud African
I’m not afraid - I’m a child of The Most High
I’m not ashamed and I’ve got a song to sing

Ife Oloyin
Flying up in the air, slicing through the clouds
Any moment from now could be my last
Then my mind goes back to all the hurt I am leaving
Oh, the pain in your heart, and I know
I, I’m coming back home to give you all my love
To give you all you want
I, I’m coming back home
You will never be lonely
I will always be there for you

Ololufe nt’o ti nreti yen lo mbo l’ona yi
Baby mo r’ire mu bo n’irin ajo
Ife oloyin ti ko l’abawon (lakawe)
Jowo f’orijimi fa mi mo’ra

It’s such a lonely world
Can’t find no one to trust
You’re the only one who understands
Wipe away your tears, just take me in your arms
This is where I belong and I’m here to stay

Onile Ayo
Lesi ma gb’aye duro 2ce
Aye d’orikodo, lesi ma gb’aye duro 2ce
A mi gbe, o mi jabo 2ce
A nle o mbo l’ehin, a ngbe o mi jabo 2ce
Ohun buruku t’o gbe se ni’koko
O se b’oju enikan o le ri e o
Iwa ibaje t’e wu ni koro, o se b’owo eda kan o le ka e o
A o tu wo, a o gbe yewo, a o si o s’oju aye
A o gbe yewo, a o tu wo, a o yiri e l’oju aye
E ba je a wu’wa t’o dara, ore mi e wu’wa to sunwon
E wu’wa to j’oju k’aye ye wa

Baba on’ile ayo ni’jo t’o ba npin’re bo, ma gbagbe awa
Baba on’ile ayo ni’jo t’o ba npin’re bo, ma gbagbe mi
Ni’jo t’o ba npin’re alaafia, emi gigun, aiku baale oro, ibunkun ti mba ni kale, omo

Ikoko Akufo (Lamentation For A Broken Pot)
Ikoko akufo, o d’ero akitan o
Ikoko to fo o, o ti dero akitan o
Monomono ya lu’gi, oro wo ‘nu ilu o
Itiju bi aso akisa lo ma ri o
O d’oro agbagba o, o d’eru f’ologbon
O d’owo awon agba o, o d’eru f’ologbon

Ilu Orita o, ilu alaafia
Mo ni t’e ba de’be, e ba mi ki won o
Gbogbo wa la o f’ayo de ‘le
Mo ni t’e ba ri o, e ba nk’Awero yen o
Omoge awelewa to nda ni l’orun o
Ile owo ni o wo s’aya
Ile ola ni o wo s’aya o

Seb’ade ori oko ni won, obinrin to n’iwa t’o l’ewa
Iwuri obi ni won o ma je, mobinrin to gb’eko to mu lo
Ori re dara, ori re sunwon, o d’adufe olori oko
Ori re dara, ori re sunwon, o d’abefe o…

Ikoko to fo i s’oun a mu se’be
Ikoko to fo i s’oun a mu to’le
Ikoko to fo i s’oun a mu r’odo
Ikoko to fo i s’oun a mu yan’gan
Ibadi aran d’eni a mu se yeye o
Bi eye ti o l’apa
Ibadi aran d’eni a mu se yeye o

O ba ma i lo o 2ce
Duro se’un obinrin nse
Gb’aye se’un obinrin nse

Tables Turn
The young man standing laughing
But he knows where the shoe dey pain am so
He no fit do anything today
But one day the tables will turn
The little children on the street
Working hard so they can eat
Dem no fit do anything today
But one day the tables will turn
My sister with the sexy eyes
Selling her body so she can live
She no fit do anything today
But one day the tables will turn
So my brothers don’t you see
We must bring some sanity over here
How can one person have so much
While so many have none?

The average man doesn’t ask for much
He only wants what you and I want -
A safe place to lay his head at night
Is that too much to ask?
He wants his kids to go to good schools
So they can become somebody
He wants them grow up healthy and strong
Is that too much to ask?
So when you build your mansions
And drive around in your fancy cars
Remember to think of the little man
Cos one day the tables will turn 2ce
So my sisters don’t you see…

So people keep on struggling
Meditate on the words of the wise
A lie may stand for a thousand years
But one day the truth will reign
Mothers put away your worries
Wipe away your flowing tears
We no fit do anything today
But one day the tables will turn
Little children listen up
We may be down but we’re not out
We must not give up on our dreams
One day your time will come
So my people don’t you see…

The poor man stands there laughing
But he knows where the shoe dey pain am so
Him no fit do anything today
But one day the tables will turn

Dear Africa
Se b’a nd’aro ara wa ni o 2ce
Se b’a nd’aro ile wa ni o
Se ba nd’aro Africa ni o

We had a dream to build a great nation
We had a desire to rule the world
We lost our way and we should have turned around
But all we do is keep on going wrong
How many more years of sorrow will come
How many more wars will we fight?
Dear Africa I’m worried for you
Come on and tell me, what we gonna do?
Tell me where we gonna go for love
Where we gonna go for hope
Show me how we gonna live without justice
How we gonna live together?

We’ve got the children scattered all over the world
They contribute to those economies
Back in the land the forest has become a desert
We shift the blame from one to the other
How much more blood are we gonna shed
How many more kids will go to war?
Dear Africa I’m down on my knees
Come on and tell me what we gonna do?

The sky is bright and the music is high
The spirits of our fathers returning home
Dear Africa give me some hope
Come on and tell me what we gonna do…

Mama Agba’s Twilight Treat
Asin toun tokere, awon n’a jo nja o
Ija re mo wa la
Asin fi mi ni’mu je, e gba mi lowo re o
Awo mi nbe l’oja o

Olofofo ye’ra, a fe s’oro awo 2ce
Etu o si mo, ibon j’iya o gbe
Alaisi baba omo, e ma f’iya j’omo
B’ajanaku ti gborin to ko le danikan gbe’gbo
Bi o ba si t’eye ni adie bage-bage
A ns’oro lowo iwo nlu’lu ken-ken
Bi o ba si ti oba ni mba fa’lu re ya
Omo eniyan to ri mi ti o s’ariya
Bi o ba je eranko ni a si je digbolugi

Ma fe fere si mi mo, fere
Aso fere ki mo ro
Ewu fere ki mo wo
Omode yi o gboran dan?
A i fe fere loganjo
Ma fe fere si mi mo

What A Day!
Oh what a day I met you baby
I was the man without a hope
And all my dreams were going nowhere
You pulled me up and here is where I am
Oh what a day!
I’ve got the feeling can’t you see
I’ve got the fire in my soul
I’ve got the rhythm can’t you see
I’ve got the passion and the thrill

Oh, what a night I held you baby
The stars were bright in the sky
And in my heart there was an emptiness
You filled it up and gave me all of you

Fire burning up in there,
People running up and down
Got you baby and that’s okay
It’s all I want, it’s all I need…

E wa w’omoge b’o se njo…

Mind Of Your Own
Mo fe so’tan kan, o ya!
Mo fe pa’tan kan, ma a wi se! 2ce
Itan yi d’ori o d’ori
O d’ori ebi iyadiran o
Baba j’iya t’o fi gbo, mama j’iya o ti gbo
Awon omo j’iya won nsokun o
Won nko yin leru e f’owo leran
Won nja e l’ole o gb’oju s’oke
Oba Oke i sokale ran ni l’owo
Owo ara eni laafi tun wa ara eni se o
Owo ara ni laafi t’aye eni se o

When you’re low you fold up just like burning paper
You think that someone will come and help you out
But everyone has his own big or little problem
So you’ve got to stand up and face your life
In this life it’s a race that everybody runs
Some will run very fast, some will run it slow
But everyone will get there and it’s such a bloody shame
If you give up before the finish line
It’s time you had a mind of your own 3ce
It’s such a bloody shame!

Everytime you feel down you look to the West
You think that big brother will come and help out
But all they do is betray and steal your wealth
Nobody can liberate you except yourself
It’s time you had a mind of your own 3ce
It’s such a bloody shame!

All It Takes
Woke up this morning, got nowhere to go
Something in my heart tells me I shouldn’t cry
Tears are for babies, worries are for fools
Life will always bow down to the man with faith
I have climbed the mountains and I have seen the valley
Here is everything I’m always longing for
So it doesn’t matter whatever they say
I know where my destiny is taking me
And all my brothers say…
Give it all it takes
And I’ll give it all I know
Give it all my heart and all my soul

I’ve just said my prayers with a breath of fire
Bright is the day that will follow the night
I have a little son and he thinks I am great
In his trusting eyes I see a world of love
Said I’ve been there before, the valley of death
And the all-seeing father says it’s okay
So it doesn’t matter whatever they say
I know where my destiny is taking me….

Spirit Of A New Generation
Yi o lo o! eleyi o lo o! bo gbe’na ka’ri, bo w’ewu eje
Itakun to ni k’erin ma g’oke, tohun t’erin lo nlo o
We are marching on to love, marching on to glory
We’re marching on to love, marching on to freedom
Cos we are who we are, what we are what is strong and what is noble yeah
All together now!
The people are ready, they want a better day now
They are tired of promises and politics
They want some reality
The people are moving to the future with faith now
There’s got to be a better way, a new dawn of hope
Who go fit stop the party when we wanna dance
Who go fit stop the music? - No one, no one!
Who go fit stop the children when they wanna play
Who go fit stop the people from moving?
We’re coming out
I tell you brothers this is the new way
And things won’t ever be the same again
This is the spirit of a new generation – hardwork and honesty
This is the way we will do our things now - all for one and one for all
This is the spirit of a new generation – Courage, transparency
This is the way we will do our things now - all for one and one for all

Baba Eledumare
You can be what you wanna be
You can do all you wanna do
It’s all here, it’s in the head, it’s all here…
I don’t know why you’re feeling so sad
I’ve got the music and I have no worries
In my heart I desire tomorrow
I feel the fire as it burns in my soul
Jowo Baba Eledumare, wa sure fun wa
Jowo Baba Eledumare wa gbo o(2ce)

Forget the world, it’s so full of injustice,
Forget the pain in your heart it’s all over
If your dreams are strong they’ll take you there
Come feel the fire as it burns in this your place…

I believe my heart can’t be wrong
I’ve seen tomorrow and I know where I’m going
If your dreams are strong they’ll take you there
Come feel the fire as it burns in this your place…

© Segun Akinlolu/EniObanke

Iba F’Olojo
Olojo oni iba re
A se’ba, a juba, a wole, af’oribale f’Olojo o e
Awa de olu orun, a se’ba f’Olojo o
Baba o ma le r’omo ko ma m’omo
Wa gb’ope, wa gb’adura
Lojo oni o, b’a se njade lo o
Ka ma sise o, kaye o roju, ka ma siso o
Awa de olu orun, a se’ba f’Olojo o
Baba o ma le r’omo ko ma m’omo

Awilele
Ma a dun, ma a dun, oni’lu mi, ma a dun, ma a dun
Ma a fon, ma a fon, onifere yi o, ma a fon, ma a fon o
E ma a ko, e ma a ko, eyin elegbe mi, e ma a ko, e ma a ko
Ani ko ma a ro - Awilele!
L’eti elegan o - Awilele!
L’eti k’enimamani o - Awilele!
Awon asenibanidaro - Awilele!
Won so’le owo d’ahoro - Awilele!
Won ti so’le olora d’asale, won so’le owo d’ahoro o
Tani o r’ogun - talo fe j’agun?
Ogun oro ma lo kan yio - o de, jagun jagun de!
Ogun oro l’oma kan yio - o de, jagun jagun de!
Eni ba le ko k’o ma a ko, eni ba le so ko ma so
Eni ba le ko l’orin o - a ni e maa so 3ce
Ogun oro ma lo kan yio - o de, jagun jagun de!
Ogun oro l’o ma kan yio - o de jagun jagun de!
So daa k’omo enikan maa wo’so tuntun l’ojojumo
K’omo enikan maa w’akisa kiri
So da k’omo enikan ma re’lewe olowo nla
K’omo enikan maa re suuku abe’gi
Ani to ba da, e je a ma ba lo – e je a ma ba bo
To ba da, e je a ma ba lo- yo kangun sibi kan
A o d’eniyan l’ola o
Awa yio d’eniyan l’ola ye
A o wo’so olowo, awa yio wo bata oye
A o wo’so olola, awa yio wo bata, ye
A o d’eniyan l’ola o...

S’o wa pa?
E wa j’ijo ologbon, e wa j’ijo alayo yi o
Ijo ya, ijo oloyin
Sebi’jo lani e jo, ewo ni tija?
Mo ni s’e wa pa o, ore mi s’e wa pa
S’o le gb’apa, so le gb’ese yi o
Nj’o le mi’ri, s’o le mi bi eni ju’rukere
S’o le d’okoto oniyeri?
People love to hear us sing
We say the things that really matter
You know they love to watch us play
Say it makes them come alive
It gives them power, gives inspiration
Something to hold on to
Gives them the strength they need for tomorrow
Everybody’s welcome here, oh yeah
We gotta get up, gotta move on, cos this is the time
Get up, move on, it’s your time, it’s okay
Awon elere l’o ns’ere yen o
E o r’awon boys b’on se njo o
A be r’awon girls b’on se nko mo’le…
Ore mi mama gbe’yin o
E o r’omode yen b’o se njo - ijo, ijo
Sebi’jo lawa jo ko ma s’ija nibi…

Ominira
Mama a de o, e wa la'ro yi ye wa o
Eyin iya a de o, e wa la'ro yi ye wa o
Won l'ogbon ologbon o nii je a gb'agba ni were
Seb’ogbon ologbon iyen nii je a gb'agba ni were o
Won l’eni t’o ba bere ona iyen kii s'ina
Eni t’o ba bere ona won ki sonu lailai
Mama a de o, ewa la’ro yi ye wa o
Eyin iya a de o, e wa la'ro yi ye wa o
Oro t'e beere, o l’otun o l’osi
Oro t’e beere, o n’iwa o l’eyin o
B’e ba s’otito o, aye yin a dun, y’o l’ayo
B’e ba s’ododo o, ilu yin a toro, y’o ladun o
E ma f’ole j’oba, aye yin a dun y’o l’ayo
E ma f’opuro joye, ilu yin a toro y’o l’ayo o
I know what we've been through
It is time to seek a better way
Greedy people in these high places
Hungry leaders stealing from the poor
My people too dey suffer o in silence
They will never talk till it's too late for them
Ominira wa nbo o ominira...
Jegudujera o r’ile gbe, alapapin o r’ona gba
Ap’omolekun ori mu mi o
Ominira wa nbo, ominira...

E Ko’mo L’ede
You and I, we are wrong if we think everything is right
There’s a fire burning on the roof our future is dying as we sleep
We must awake from the lies we’ve been told about ourselves
There’s no reason to be ashamed of who we are and where we’re from
E jowo o, e k’omo l’ede ile wa o
E jowo o, e k’omo l’asa ile wa o
E jowo o, e k’omo n’itan ile wa o
E jowo o, e fun won l’aso ile wa wo
You’re so proud today to hear them speak in a foreign tongue
It’s not fair to keep them away from who they are and live a lie
All these children, they are strangers
To their own roots and culture
We must try to right the wrongs
And show them the beauty in who they are
O d’eni - eni
eji, eta, erin, aarun, eefa…

Ma Fo’ya
Here standing we don’t know why
Understanding is rare
Good men living on borrowed time
Sanity’s gone to the dogs
The pains of the people like the rain
Falling in streams of tears
A lonely child looks to the sky
The stars are silent tonight
Child!
There’ll be a better way
The sun will shine in your eyes
Omo o, omo o
Omo o, ma beru, omo o, ma fo’ya o
Time, like an ever-flowing stream
Bears all her sons away
They fade like a dream fades at break of dawn
And we are still the same, we don’t change
Times, they may come, they may go
They bring changes in what we see and what we know
But the hearts of men are set in greedy ways
We don’t change
Everything is still the same
It’s just the way we are
Somebody’s loss is another’s gain
History recalls, we never learn
And the poor and the young always take the blame
Child...
I wish I had the answers
I’ll take your pains away
I wish I was the angel of peace
Change the world in a breath…

Come, Warrior
E be jagun jagun k’o wa’le
E ba be jagunjagun k’o wa’le o e
Ife ni yio bo’ri ikorira o
Otito ni yio bo’ri iro
Itasan orun yio bo’ri okunkun biribiri
E ba be jagunjagun ko wale o e
Come, warrior come
Come to the place of wisdom
Lay your burden down, rest your soul
The sun will shine tomorrow
Whether you like or not
Love is the only way we’ll be free
Come, warrior come
Hey! Listen to the music
Rest a little while, heal your wounds
Time will pass you see
All secrets revealed
Love is the only way we’ll be free
Brothers, sisters, people, love is the answer

Awon Agba
Ija l’o de t’orin d’owe – eni’re
Ore ojo ana t’o wa d’ota ilu o – e rora se
Ebe gbogbo wa s’Eledumare - Oba ogo
Ka ma se te l’oju ore at’ebi – k’a ma sise o
K’a ma sise o e s’adura
Awon ma la gb’ade fun, awon agba
K’agba ma se won l’arin awa o
Awon ma la ba l’aye o, awon agba
Iba f’ewu, f’ori ba’le f’ologbon
B’omode l’aso ko l’akisa bi agba
O ye ka b’owo f’awon asaaju wa o
Awon ma la gb’ade fun o, awon agba
Iba f’ewu f’ori ba’le f’ologbon
Iba fun baba, iba fun mama o
Gbogbo ebi, gbogbo ara ile o
Ara adugbo, gbogbo ara abule o
Gbogbo ilu ni won nso’wo po t’omo
Awon ma la ba l’aye, awon agba
K’agba ma se won ni ilu awa o
Awon ma la gb’ade fun o, awon agba
Iba f’ewu, f’ori ba le f’ologbon
Ani’ja l’o de t’orin d’owe – eni’re
Ore ojo ana t’o wa d’ota ilu o – e rora se
Ebe gbogbo wa s’Eledumare - Oba ogo
Ka ma se te l’oju ore at’ebi – k’a ma sise o!
K’a ma sise o e s’adura
These people drifting with no destination
Must find a purpose for life
I’ve just had a vision of life and abundance
Places you’ve never been
I stand for love, I won’t be bought
I’ve come to fulfill your dreams
I stand for love, it won’t be long
I’ve come to fulfill your dreams
These voices drifting from high, high places
A new day is coming soon
E gbe wa eyin agba, e ma ma je a te o
A nwo’ju re Edumare, e ma ma je a te o

Matters Arising
E a ma de o, a ma de o,
A wa nk’ilo fun’ra wa ni o
E a ma de o, a ma de o,
E je a s’otito fun’rawa o
Iwo gb’esin s’ori, gbogbo ara ilu ti wa d’elese loju e
Eyin gbesin s’ori, e wa npa’niyan l’oruko Olorun l’oke
Se iwo ti gbagbe
P’Olorun oba, Olorun ife ni kii korira
Se eyin ti gbage p’Eledumare alagbara
O le gbe’ja ara re
Iwo de’po ola, o wa nsi’wa wu, o ti gbagbe orisun
On j’aye olowo, omode ilu nwo’nu akitan k’ebi ma pa won o
Ko le s’alaafia ninu ilu b’inu ara ilu o ba dun
Ko le s’alaafia f’olowo fun talaka
Ba o ba s’otito n’ijoba o
Ore otito s’owon o
Ife otito s’owon ye
Oo le gb’ara l’enikankan o
Won a ba e je o, won a ba e mu o
To ba y’eyin pada, won a s’oro e ni buruku
Won a ba e l’ogba, won a ba e je’gbadun
B’igba ba yi pere gbogbo won a sa lo o
Ilara ti poju, ikorira ti poju
Ko le s’ilosiwaju ninu abosi
Ikunsinu ti poju at’imoteni nikan
Ko le s’ilosiwaju ninu iwa ibaje yi o

Oke Bola
Lodo Mama Agba, wa kalo o – Oke Bola wa kalo o e
N’ile Awolowo wa kalo o, Sounds of Joy wa kalo o
Waateco wa ka lo o, Iya gbagi wa ka lo o
Mama onidodo e wa kalo, Baba Ghana wa ka lo o
Asegunsete, wa ka lo o, Osandesangun, wa ka lo o
Seyi serere, wa ka lo o
Lodo Mama Agba wa kalo o – Oke Bola wa kalo o e
Tell me what happened to the good days
When we had everything going right?
Brothers, what happened to the old songs
We used to sing in the bright moonlight?
We want to be happy, we all should be free
Children have a right to share of this culture
Bring back the good days
Kos’oloko l’oko – eye e bere maa j’oka, eye

Each Time You Turn
Ololufe, ololufe ololufe, okan mi wa lodo re
Ololufe mi o, ololufe, ololufe, okan mi wa lona
You wake up in the middle of the night
Find a reason to start a quarrel
You cry up all the tears in your eyes
And then you tell me you’re going away for the last time
Each time you turn and wave your hands and say goodbye
It’s like a load is lifted off my head
Now you are gone I should be happy, girl
But I don’t know why
Why am I feeling so lonely now?
O tun ti nlo niyen, o ti gb’apamowo re
O ti we gele s’ori
E ma ba mi bebe
Ara ile, ero ode e ma ba mi bebe
Otun ti nlo niyen o a
You are restless, you don’t belong to anyone
One day you are here, the next you are gone away
I’m tired of the selfish games you play
But I’d be lying if I should deny you are still the one
Each time…
O tun ti nlo niyen, o ti gb’apamowo re
O ti ko bata sese
E ma ba mi bebe
Ara ile, ero ode e ma ba mi bebe
Otun ti nlo niyen o a
My love, we didn’t plan it this way
Honey, we said we’d go all the way
My love, I need you more everyday
Honey, down on my knees begging please…

Oruko Rere
Through the wild jungle we’re coming back home
Through the fire and through the sea
I know mother my promises to you
To make you a queen before you die
The years are gone and you’re losing hope
But I will never give it up for you, for me, for life…
Never (3ce) fear the shadows of night
Be on guard every hour of the day
Put a smile on the faces of the fallen
Loving and living and strong (2ce)
I told my father very long time ago
I’ve got to be a man of my own
Change the world with a rhythm and a melody
Many horrors and pain abound, it’s getting harder everyday
But I will never give it up for you, for me, for life…
Never (2ce) share the path of the wicked
Never never be a pawn for greed
Follow the words of the great ancestors
Loving and living and strong (2ce)
Yeye, e ma ma b’inu si wa o
Ko s’owo l’oni, ola mbo wa da
Seb’oruko rere o san ju’le oro
Omo oko nse won to lese o
Baba, e ma ma b’inu si wa o…
Through the wild jungle we’re coming back home
Through the fire and through the sea
Through the darkness and pain of lost friends
Our weapon is a message of hope
The more they push us the stronger we are
And we will never give it up
For you, for us, for life…
Never (3ce) fear the shadows of night…
Yeye, e ma ma b’inu si wa o…

Lekeleke
Lekeleke nfo l’oke, eye funfun ni
Lekeleke nfo loke, eye funfun ni
Aso ala ni mo wo elepo ya fun mi
Lekeleke nbo l’ona eye funfun ni
Fo, maa fo, maa fo, eye olola
Bo, maa bo, maa bo, eye onire
Sometimes I wish I could fly like a bird in the sky - away, away
With the love and the strength of the fathers
In the blessing of the spirits of the sky
In the warmth of the bosom of the mothers
With the knowledge and the wisdom that I need
To set my people free, set my people free…
O nbo l’ona, eye oba ni ko se to o
O nb’onile wi, o nkilo f’alejo, o ni e maa so’ra o
E ma fi’ya j’opo, at’omo oku orun
O ni e f’eso s’aye, e ma te talaka mo’le mo o
O nbo l’ona, eye oba ni…
Awon omode ilu, won wa ko’ra won jo, won fe so’ko p’eye
Eye ko, eye o ku, nse lo nfo, nse lo nbe lat’igi s’igi
Awon agbagba ilu, won wa ko’ra won jo
Won fe l’eye l’oko
Won k’ada jade, won k’ake jade, won nge gi oko
O di ka, o di ko
Eye ko, eye o ku, nse lo nfo, nse lo nbe lat’igi s’igi
L’aipe l’aijina, won ge gbogbo igi tan, o wa ku’gi kan l’oko
Igi iroko, igi ti gbogbo aye nfe, eyi ti gbogbo aye nbo
O di ka, odi ko, ko ma ku gi kan loko o!
Ko wa pe l’eye fo lo o - pagidari igi da
Pagidari igi da, eye fo lo o…

O ya o!
O ya o!
Baba, mama, e ma ma se sun mo o
Ore, ara ewu mbe lode o
Baba o, mama o, e ma ma se sun lo o
Ore, ara, jamba nkan lekun
E ma ma gb’ole laye, e ma ma gba jaguda
E ma ma gbonijibiti, e ma ma gba konde
Ola si ma dara o - a dara, a dara
Ayo mbo l’ola o - a dara, a dara
So when you think you’ve got problems, pain in your heart
There is a place you can go to and come out anew
There is a place called history
It’s there in the books
Darkness will give way to light
Ki’jo to d’ijo ana oro ta so e ma gbagbe o
E ba mi kalo o, ore e ma gbagbe o
Aye d’oju ru, ko s’owo l’apo
Aye d’oju ru, ko s’ayo n’ile o
Aye d’oju ru ko s’owo l’apo
Ebi np’omode o
Baba, mama, e ma ma se sun mo o…

© Segun Akinlolu/EniObanke

How Do You Do?
(Owuro L’ojo) Ojumo ti mo, ara mi e gbe’ra n’ile, ise ti ya
Ojumo ti mo, ore mi e gbon’ra jigi ka tun’ra mu
Oni’se owo, alakowe, gbogbo eni to nwa’se, omo’lewe o
Owuro l’ojo, eni ma r’ire o, eni ma r’ire o
Won a se’ba owuro o
Good morning, I greet you, how do you do?
Good morning, I greet you, we’ve got some work to do
Good morning, I greet you, how was your night?
Good morning, I greet you, it will be a beautiful day
If you do your work with honesty and pride
You will find your dreams coming true very soon
If we could be patient and live within the law
There would be much progress
Everyone would be happy…

Jangbalajugbu Who made the earth shed tears of sorrow
Who makes the children cry so much
Who’s gonna bring back the smiles on their faces
Who’s gonna make us laugh?
E ba ngbon’do yi gbe
Jangbala jugbu jugbu jugbu jangbala
Ojo t’o ro l’ana yen, gbogbo ile l’omi ro si
Gbogbo aso lo tutu
Baale ile ti sun lo fonfon o
Gbogbo omode l’omi ti ko lo o…
What joy to see the children when they are playing
What joy to see the children running around the place
Omo l’aso, omo n’ide ye o, omo l’aworan ere
Oh, once again to be like a child!…
B’e de’le l’oni e ma gbagbe oro t’a wi
B’e nb’omode s’oro e fi’fe bawon wi o
Eni to wa ni ‘koro dakun jade wa
Ko ma s’ohun t’o da bi ife alasepo…
E ma wehin o (x4)
Idi ore mi l’emi o fi si - idi ore mi jalanjolo…
Awa ma s’orire o, ayo, a sorire ayo
Eni t’o bi’mo tuntun ayo ni o
Eni t’o ra ‘moto’ yi o, eni t’o ko’le yi o,
Eni t’o nse’gbeyawo o, eni t’o ns’ojo’bi o…

Keep ’Em Moving There was a time we played the rock and roll
Then came the season of the ballroom waltz
Oh, yeah we’ve heard all the pop, jazz, blues yeah
And my brothers did the roots rock reggae
But these are times when the people want something new
Something cool, something smooth
Something just to keep them moving - wa jo o!
We’ve had our share of miserable days
Fighting the scourge of oppressors and thieves
We like to think we are a new generation
Filled up with love and determined to live
Yes these are times when the people want something new
Something cool, something smooth
Something just to keep them moving…
Who go fit stop the party when we wanna dance
Who go fit stop the music? - No one ,no one!
Who go fit stop the children when they wanna play
Who go fit stop the people?

What Can Man Do? What can man do when Jah-jah’s your guide?
What can man do when you’ve seen the light?
What can hate do when love’s in your heart?
You’ll be standing tall, you’ll be clean and proud
Tomorrow’s in your eyes, you will never fail
What can man do when Jah-jah says no?
What can man do when his time is up?
You know today’s kings are tomorrow’s bones
So look up history,
The wicked must fall, their children will play
The oppressed will always laugh last y’know…
It’s just a season it will pass away
Darkness will give way to light one day
You know it’s easy but they cannot see
How we can all live in peace as one…

Pass De Kalabash Work is done, it’s time to have some fun
People come together sing a song of joy
Pass de kalabash o, make we drink some palm-wine
Pass am o (x 2), drink am o (x2), share am o (x2)
Don’t you forget - in Africa, people always share
We love our neighbours all, we don’t discriminate
Pass de kalabash o, make we drink some palm-wine
B’o wun mi (x2) mo de le f’emu we
B’owun mi mo de le fi s’aso
B’owun mi mo ma le fi s’aya…

Tropical Spice I’ve come all the way from Africa
To put some tropical spice in your lives
I’ll do anything to make you dance,
Wake up good people, wave your hands
Wave them high up in the air, oh lord…
If you bring a plate of kola nuts
We will pour the palm-wine in the grove
The colours of the rainbow in your eyes
Wake up good people, wave your hands…
Wake up good people, wave your hands
Do the work we’ve got to do -
Jump and prance, roll around, wiggle what we’ve got, o yeah!
Say, how’re you feeling at the back?
How’re you feeling right in front?
How’re you feeling on the sides?
How’re you feeling everywhere?
Now if you feel like grooving, come, get on over here
Cos here we’ve got the music to treat your body right
We gonna get you moving, so leave your fears behind
Forget your pains and worries, we’ve got love over here,
Got is over here, feel it in the groove!
Do you feel like grooving…?

What A Feeling! Ara e ba mi gb’oro kan o
Oro yi nka mi l’aya mo wi o
Omo kan mbe ti mo feran
Bi ngo se ba a s’oro ko ye mi rara o
Nko ri iru ife eyi ri o, ngo ri iru erin eyi ri o
Omo to n’iwa t’o si l’ewa o,
Mo fe mo ‘le re o, ki nma ba e lo
Jowo mo fe m’awon obi re o, baby mi ye
Jowo mo fe m’awon ore re o
Omo on’iwa tutu yi o, mo fe mo ‘le re o, ki nma ba e lo
Baby je nma ba e lo, honey ki nma ba e lo
Ololufe je nma ba e lo
Oh, what a feeling, burning me all up
I can’t help myself – Baby, I wanna love you
I wanna be with you both night and day
Share my life with you - Baby, I wanna love you
Oh, what a feeling, locking up my lips
I can’t express myself - Baby, I wanna love you
I wanna live with you, grow old in your arms,
Have babies with you…
Ngo ma ba e lo ni o-ah o-ah, ngo ma ba e lo…

The Small People’s Anthem Oro aye soro o, oro aye soro, oro aye soro
Oro aye ma le o, oro aye male ko ma ye wa o
Oro aye gb’ege o, oro aye gb’ege, oro aye gb’ege
Oro aye soro o, oro aye soro ko ma ye wa o
Awon kan le je, awon kan o ri, awon kan nwo’so asiko
Awon kan nsun s’abe ‘gada’, awon kan nto ‘le jo bi isu
Awon kan nj’oba, awon kan ns’eru,
Awon kan nse bi Olodumare
Omode oojo ns’alaisi, awon kan s’aye d’awa-ma-lo
Awon kan ns’odun, awon kan nsun’kun,
Awon kan nwo’ju Olodumare
Eniyan rere won ’i pe lo, eni buruku won npe ni’le o
Some people can’t find a way
Some people live by the day,
Some people have all the fun
When will it be our turn?
Few people take all the wealth
Poor bear all the pain
Small people look to the skies
When will it be our turn?
Aye bi e ba d’agbon, e ma ta mi
Aye bi e ba d’odo, e ma gbe mi lo o…

Seven Lifes In my journey thru the world, over land and over sea
I see different cultures and different people's ways
I was born where the sun never sets and never rises
I was born where the heat is like a second skin
Children crying on the streets, automobiles making noise
The land is growing dry and weak, spirits dying low
The forefathers are calling me: never tire, never weaken
The pride in me is bursting loose - I'm an African boy.
On the farm my father called me down behind a tree
He said prostrate at my feet and say a few prayers
Then he told me all the stories of my brave ancestors,
"Look into my eyes son, you were born to be great"
So in the twilight I went home behind my father with a hoe
Listening to the songs of birds, whispers of the night
Singing: seven goats, seven beads,
Seven cowries, seven nuts,
Seven lifes that's what I've got , I'm an African boy
Over sea, over land, over mountains and in the wild
I'll be brave and I'll be strong, I'm an African boy.

In the evening, mother called me down into her hut
She said, "Lay upon my bosom and say a few prayers"
Then she told me to go forward never looking back
"The spirits are with you and you will never fail"
So I go into the world, into the deeps, into the wild
In the market place I danced the sound of bata
Dancing - seven jumps, seven wriggles,
Seven cowries, seven nuts
Seven lifes, that's what I've got
I'm an African boy…

The People Are Ready Will the heroes stand up! Call the brave man to arms!
The time is right for that someone who can see into the future
Who will tell us the truth, lead the children a-right ?
Who is ready to speak out for the man who is voiceless?
You better know-
The people are ready, they want a better day now
They are tired of promises, pies in the sky yeah
The people are moving to the future with faith now
There’s got to be a better way, a new dawn of hope
When will all these pains go
Who will heal all these wounds
Will the light ever glow for the man blind with hatred?
Who will bring back the sunshine to this land of despair
Who is ready to show some love,
Free the young of all the anger, you better know-
The people are ready, they want a better day now
They’re tired of politics, they want some reality
The people are moving to the future with faith now
There’s got to be a better way, a new dawn of hope
You turn your face to the sun
Don’t you know you could go blind
The little children on the streets
You’ve made their lives such misery…

Ma Ba Won So L’ojo ojosi omode i gb’oju s’oke w’agba o
B’agba ba nro’jo, omode won a pa looloo ni
L’ojo ojosi, awon agba i wu’wa ibaje o
Bi won ba se ‘baje, a o s’igba fun won ni
Eje a ma ba won so, ki won ma se wu’wa ibaje mo o
Ore e je a ma ba won so, ki won ma se wu’wa ika yi o
Eje a ma ba won so, ki won ma se wu’wa ibaje mo o
Eje a ma ba won so, ki won ma se wu’wa ika…
I see them every day on the street wasting their lives away
Youth can’t find no direction to put their energies
I see them in Europe and America looking for hope
Everywhere they go they are lonely, can’t find a warm bed
Do you like to see the children cry
And waste their lives away, my brother?
You like to see them die before their time in poverty?
Do you like to see the children cry in frustration and desperation?
Do you like to see them flee and leave this land so full of promise?
I see them everywhere in factories and plantations
A new wave of slavery and servitude in foreign lands
I see them in Asia, Australia, wherever you may think
Everywhere they go they are lonely, there is no place like home
Do you like to see the children crying?
Like to see the children worry?
Like to the children running away?
Like to see them die, brother?

Baba Mimo Baba mimo, iwo Olorun gbogbo agbaye
Baba wa ko wa, ka le ma feran ara wa
Baba mimo, a teriba s’iwaju ite re
B’oju wo wa, k’o s’anu fun wa
Baba mimo, iwo eleda gbogbo ohun to nmi
Wa ko wa k’a le ma feran ara wa
Baba mimo, a teriba s’iwaju ite re
B’oju wo wa, ko saanu fun wa
Olorun , Olorun agbaye
Oluwa wa o, eleda gbogbo enia…
Why do we lie to the children about their future
When we are not building good schools?
Why do we make our women cry so much
Why is there no peace in this land?
Why do we have so much darkness in the midst of light?
Why do we so many leaders who cannot speak the truth?
Why do we have so many young people fleeing the land?
Oh lord, oh…
Ko wa ka le ma feran ara wa
Teach us to love ourselves…