Edited by Azizi Powell
This pancocojams post focuses on the similarities between the fast footwork of the Ivory Coast (Wes Africa) Djoanigbe & Zaouli masking tradition dances and the African American dances called "Chicago footwork". [Chicago, Illinois] and Detroit jit (jitting). [Detroit, Michigan].
The information and videos in this post are presented for their historical, folkloric, and aesthetic values.
All copyright remain with their owners
Thanks to all thanks to those featured in the videos, to those who published these videos, and all those quoted in this post. Special thanks to Juliana Azoubel, the author of a journal paper about these traditions from which I have quoted. It's my hope by sharing these excerpts, I will raise awareness about that paper, and will encourage others to read the entire paper.
****
PANCOCOJAMS EDITOR'S NOTE
A lot of the content of this 2020 pancocojams post was included in a 2012 pancocojams post entitled "Shared Aesthetics: Ivory Coast Mask Dances & Chicago Footwork. Information about and videos of Detroit jittin' has been added to this 2020 post along with some other information and videos.
The 2012 post also has seven comments, four of them from visitors who read that post. Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/02/shared-aesthetics-ivory-coast-mask.htmlhttp://www.clas.ufl.edu/jur/200003/papers/paper_azoubel.html*
Journal of Undergraduate Research University Of Florida
Volume 1, Issue 6 - March 2000
Juliana Azoubel
"The Cote d'Ivoire Mask Tradition from the Viewpoint of Dance Ethnology: Dancing the Gap between Spirit and Human Worlds
The Cote d'Ivoire (the Ivory Coast) is the origin of several of the most important and interesting masking traditions in Africa. In the West, these masks have been viewed primarily as art objects. Through their embodiment in dance, however, masks are the way many Ivorians communicate with supernatural forces and bring power to the community...
THE DJOANIGBE MASK
...Djoanigbe is a very important mask among the people from the Cote d'Ivoire and, fortunately, it is one that I had the opportunity to see perform...
The movements of Djoanigbe show speed and power. They are grounded low to the earth and there is a sense of mystery in the performance juxtaposed by moments of surprise that shock and startle. Since most of the steps are designed to imitate the running of a panther-the sacred or totem animal-the performance requires a great deal of space. In his November 18, 1999 performance on the stage of the Center for Performing Arts, the Djoanigbe mask completely covered the space, pacing with quick stops and direction changes.... The movement fully embodies the awe-inspiring power of Djoanigbe, and the black mask decorated with cowrie shells creates an imposing presence...
THE ZAOULI MASK AND HER FLIRTATIOUS SISTER FLALI
According to the Guros, the masks that did not originate from the animal spirits are entertainment masks, and among them are Sauli (Zaouli), Flali and Wali. The essential dance activity for the Zaouli mask is rapid-fire movement of the feet. Dictated by the rhythm of the drums for both the Zaouli figure and the head movements of the forest dancers, this dance is high speed and very dynamic (Poynor). "Saouli masks are topped by multi-figured compositions, the subjects of which often have nothing to do with the dance itself. The purpose of the superstructure seems to be to introduce an element of surprise into the entertainment and to increase its attractiveness"(Poynor 173)...
Zaouli is female yet the Zaouli performer is always male. The cross-gender mask performs on many different occasions to amuse people: during holidays, for entertainment of visitors to the community, to collect food from the community members during the initiation process, and also in some funeral ceremonies. Zaouli has a young sister called Flali. This mask, also performed exclusively by men, shares many characteristics of Zaouli, including the actual mask. It is entirely the dance activity that distinguishes Flali from her sister, Zaouli. Flali shows more charm and flirting in her performance. She uses a high proportion of upper back articulation in her dance, contrasting the forceful footwork-based that characterizes Zaouli. The performance of Flali is a deep play on movement characteristics of a woman and the dance becomes exaggeratedly feminine and more delicate than a female dancer's, and of Zaouli's for that matter."
-snip-
*The link for this paper no longer works (when I checked it on April 19, 2020).
I received a comment from Juliana Azoubel in 2012 thanking me for including her paper in that pancocojams post. I also received a comment from other people who noticed and who are researching these similarities. Click the link given above to the 2012 post to read those comments.
****
SHOWCASE VIDEOS OF IVORY COAST MASK DANCES
Video #1: Zaouli de Manfla
Uploaded by KONAN947 on Feb 26, 2010
Zaouli of Manfla, center-west of Ivory Coast, filmed by Konan Kouakou David
****
Video #2: Zahouli fo Manfla 4
Uploaded by goninti on Jan 22, 2010
Rythmique exceptionnelle
****
Video #3: Zahouli of Manfla2.avi
Uploaded by goninti on Jan 22, 2010
Le jeune danseur de Manfla, très énergétique, a de l'avenir. Il lui reste à parfaire sa technique et à apprendre les nombreux pas de danse des devanciers !
Très bon !!! Courage jeune frère !
-snip-
Google translate from French to English:
"The young dancer from Manfla, very energetic, has a future. He still has to perfect his technique and learn the many dance steps of the predecessors!
Very good !!! Courage young brother!"
****
INFORMATION ABOUT CHICAGO FOOT WORK DANCING
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Footwork_(Chicago) [retrieved April 19, 2020; content has changed from the quote that is used in the 2012 pancocojams post]
"Footwork is a style of house dance/street dance that originated in Chicago in the early 1990s.[2]
The dance involves fast movement of the feet with accompanying twists and turns, and usually takes place as part of a "battle".[3] The style was popularized outside Chicago by inclusion in the music video for Dude 'n Nem's 2007 single "Watch My Feet".[4]
The music style has evolved from the earlier, rapid rhythms of juke and ghetto house, a change pioneered by RP Boo.[3] It may draw from styles such as House music, Hip Hop, R&B.[5] Tracks also frequently feature heavily syncopated samples from rap, pop and other sources, and are often around 160 bpm.[6] Footwork also incorporates the club culture cultivated in disco, Jazz and Classical music."...
-snip-
According to YouTube videos such as the last video embedded in this post which comparing Chicago foot work with Detroit foot work, Chicago fookwork is called "juke" and Detroit footwork is called "jit".
****
SHOWCASE VIDEOS OF CHICAGO FOOT WORK (DANCING)
Video #1: Chicago Footwork
Uploaded by ghettotekz on Apr 24, 2010
no real battle, just some amazin footworkin. This was with MOB, TS, Wolf Pac, Litebulb, Deryon, Stepz, Manny, just a whole bunch of dope cats. ..
****
Video #2: Battlegroundz Battle 6: Tae Vs Dipset
uploaded by ghettotekz on Jan 28, 2010
Come to Battle Groundz at 87th/East End every sunday to join, or watch the hottest footworkers in Chicago.
****
Video #3: Ladies Of CHICAGO Footwork
RED LEGENDS CHICAGO, Jan 17, 2016
-snip-
Here's a comment from this video's discussion thread:
THEONE1 ONHIGHERGROUND, 2019
"At the tender age 50+ I recall as a child alone in my Granny's living room breaking out into a dance. I could feel the Spirit of my Ancestors take my feet and body. This dance was the same as y'all doing here and we share the same reason for the dance. My Beloved People of Chicago this Elder is proud of you👑 Believe who others know you are...KINGS & QUEENS👑 NEVER FORGET WHO YOU ARE💞"
****
INFORMATION ABOUT DETROIT JITTING
From https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=jitting
"jitting
A style of dance that originated in Detroit, MI over 75 years ago. This style consists of rapid foot movement and also has a genre of music associated with it.
word variation: Jittin'
Did you see Joe at the club last night? He was jitting up a storm!
#dance#detroit#foot movement#music#fun
by Elizabeth G. June 14, 2008"
-snip-
As a point of information, the total driving time from Detroit, Michigan to Chicago, Illinois is 4 hours, 17 minutes.
I don't know which style of fast foot work- Detroit or Chicago- came first.
****
SHOWCASE VIDEOS OF DETROIT JITTING
Video #1: Detroit Jit
stringz313, Sep 10, 2006
****
Video #2: Never Challenge Legendary Jitter (Blk Superman) Battle Random Guy In Crowd
AIM SHOOT, Oct 16, 2015
****
Video #3: Detroit Jitting ... 2016 they still got it
Shawnboi Smith, Dec 21, 2016
****
A VIDEO COMPARING DETROIT AND CHICAGO FOOTWORK
Detroit vs Chicago "jit vs juke" Clip 2
stringz313, Aug 14, 2012
1st ever Battle Showcase between the Jit vs the Juke Detroit vs Chicago Saint Andrews Hall Detroit 2007
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
Showing posts with label Ivory Coast music and dance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ivory Coast music and dance. Show all posts
Sunday, April 19, 2020
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
Ivory Coast Singer Meiway - "Biboya" (with comments translated from French to English that explain what this song is about)
Edited by Azizi Powell
This pancocojams post presents information about Ivory Coast singer/songwriter Meiway and information about the musical genre he developed called "Zoblazo".
This post also showcases the official YouTube video for Meiway's 2016 song "Biboya".
The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
I'm most interested in the music, dancing, and singing that are performed in this video as well as the traditional clothing & head wraps that the women wear and Meiway wears. However, as a person who only speaks and reads English, Google translates' English translations helped me understand what the song/video is about. Thanks Google translate. Additions and corrections are welcome.
All copyright remains with their owners.
Thanks to Meiway for his musical legacy. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to Meiway for sharing this video on YouTube.
****
INFORMATION ABOUT MEIWAY
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meiway
"Frederic Desire Ehui , best known as Meiway (born 17 March 1962 in Grand Bassam), is a singer from the Ivory Coast.[1] He is most notable for pioneering the Zoblazo style.[1] His hits include "200% Zoblazo", "Godeba", "Appolo 95", "Miss Lolo", and "DJ Tassouman"."...
****
INFORMATION ABOUT ZOBLAZO
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoblazo
"Zoblazo is a musical style from Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, created in the early 1990s. It is a cosmopolitan popular dance music with simple up-tempo rhythm and high tech instrumentation and contains a mixture of traditional dance rhythms from southern Côte d'Ivoire.
Zoblazo's best known exponent is Freddy Meiway, who has released a series of Zoblazo records starting in 1989 with the record "Ayibebou" with his group Zo Gang. An ethnic N'Zema from Grand Bassam, Meiway integrated folk rhythms from Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana with and is danced to with a white handkerchief. From his second album in 1990 entitled 200% Zoblazo, Meiway became the second best known Ivorian and N'zema musician after Alpha Blondy, and has released a steady stream records, the most recent 9ème commandement –900% zoblazo released in 2007."...
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO: Meiway - Bipoya [Clip Officiel]
MEIWAY OFFICIEL, Apr 4, 2017
Cette chanson de l'album "Illimitic" sorti en Septembre 2016 m'a été inspirée par ce "buzz" lors de la finale de Miss Côte d'Ivoire 2014. Celui que je surnomme "Bipoya" (Victor Yapobi président du Comici) a défrayé la chronique. Ce titre pour immortaliser cette phrase historique : "Tu as abusé de moi..." de Yasmine Aka la mère d'une candidate malheureuse qui criait au scandale...Réalisation : Jean Jules Porquet pour Erico Séry, Mise en scène : Jean Jules Porquet et Meiway......Acteurs : Pancho, Manan Kampess, Jimmy Danger, N'tangu, Manou Jolie, Groupe Moayé......
-snip-
Google translate from French to English:
This song from the album "Illimitic" released in September 2016 was inspired by this "buzz" during the final of Miss Ivory Coast 2014. The one I nicknamed "Bipoya" (Victor Yapobi president of Comici) has hit the headlines. This title to immortalize this historic sentence: "You have abused me ..." by Yasmine Aka the mother of an unhappy candidate who cried out in scandal ... Director: Jean Jules Porquet for Erico Séry, Director: Jean Jules Porquet and Meiway ...... Actors: Pancho, Manan Kampess, Jimmy Danger, N'tangu, Manou Jolie, Groupe Moayé ...
-snip-
Here are some comments from this video's discussion thread (with numbers added for referencing purposes only)
The Google translate results from French to English are given after the comments that are written in French.
1. Ama Benny, 2017
"Meiway is a legend!"
**
REPLY
2. zingue Hilaire Tia, 2018
"Une très grande légende."
-snip-
"A very great legend."
**
REPLY
3. MegaDiva1999, 2018
"of all times. He should be known globally and recognised accordingly.Spectacular talent"
**
4. Bobi Kouassi, 2017
"😂😂😂😂 paraît il que ça parle de l'abuseur Victor yapobi qui abuse des miss et leur mère"
-snip-
"😂😂😂😂 It seems that it speaks of the abuser Victor Yapobi who abuses the misses and their mother
**
REPLY
5. Elisee Irie, 2017
"Franchement ça m a fait penser à l histoire la miss et sa mère!!"
-snip-
Frankly it made me think of the story of the miss and her mother !!
**
REPLY
6. KeybleuM 2017
"Bobi Kouassi quand on y pense...bipoya, yapobi !"
-snip-
Bobi Kouassi when you think about it ... bipoya, yapobi!
**
REPLY
7. Nana Dasy, 2017
"Bobi Kouassi Mdr en plus il a dit son nom un peu vers la fin la Mdrr"
-snip-
Bobi Kouassi Mdr in addition he said his name a little towards the end the Mdrr
-snip-
"Mdrr" - "As a French translation of the English “lol” and used in exactly the same way, mdr or mort de rire means to be dying of laughter. You know you're chatting like a true native if you add a casual mdrrr to an online conversation." https://www.fluentu.com/blog/french/french-internet-slang-chat-online-native/
**
8. Bobi Kouassi, 2017
"Nana Dasy lol oui il a dit son nom il lui a fait une dédicace. il a aussi fait une dédicace à yasmine aka ( celle qui a dit à la télé " tu as abuser de moi ) et il a même dit les miss cachez vous bipoya ( yapobi ) arrive..... bipoya ( yapobi ) est très petit mais il est très tranchant. yapobi doit porter plainte c'est une attaque direct 😂😂😂😂😂😂"
-snip-
"Nana Dasy lol yes he said his name he made her a dedication. he also made a dedication to yasmine aka (the one who said on tv "you have abused me) and he even said the miss hide you bipoya (yapobi) is coming ..... bipoya (yapobi) is very small but he is very sharp. yapobi must file a complaint it is a direct attack"
**
9. Elise Djait, 2017
"Bobi Kouassi .cest sa mème"
-snip-
"Bobi Kouassi. It's his meme"
**
10. Mohamed Coulibalym 2017
"Bobi Kouassi donc porté contre un artiste aussi existe koi la liberté d'expression à gagné temps"
-snip-
"Bobi Kouassi therefore brought against an artist also exists freedom of expression to save time"
[...]
11. Melina Yao, 2017
"non il a bien fait parce ces elle une mec leçons parce dans la vie pour arriver a tes fin ya des sacrifices surtout pour être miss même chanteur la vie cest un choix ces forcer tu veut être miss qui sait par que pour être miss tu couche avec avec victor yapobi ou tu paye pour gagner d'autre font médicament pour gagner Malika Guindo qui voulait fesait parti des élections de miss côté d'Ivoire elle a fait accident et l'autre qui défilé et a trébuché et est tomber pour être miss côté d'ivoire tu paye cash ok donc mieway a bien prochainement tu va envoyé ta fille pour fait tu va payer cash"
-snip-
"no he did well because these she a guy lessons because in life to reach your end there are sacrifices especially to be miss same singer life is a choice these force you want to be miss who knows that to be miss you sleep with with victor yapobi or you pay to win other make medicine to win Malika Guindo who wanted to be part of the elections of miss side of Ivory she made an accident and the other who marched and tripped and fell to be miss side of ivory you pay cash ok so mieway has soon soon you will send your daughter for fact you will pay cash"
[...]
12. Edwina Edwina, 2018
"Bobi Kouassi lolllll tu m'as kill"
-snip-
"Bobi Kouassi lolllll you killed me"
[...]
13. Juan Cruz, 2020
"Idem🤣🤣🤣🤣"
**
14. Yann Yao, 2020
"Yapobi est petit de taille aussi unh 🤔
-snip-
"Yapobi is small in size also unh 🤔"
****
LYRICS - BIBOYA [English translation of some lyrics]*
(songwriter - Frédéric Désiré Ehui)
shake the women, shake the girls shake the misses.
the abuser arrives (bipoya).
tremble women, tremble girls, tremble the misses.
Bipoya arrives.
koutoubou (christian levry) souu (karaba the witch).
koutoubou deni deni, koutoubou bipoya.
kotoubou deni deni koutoukoutou Bipoya.
ô tra elengue ... ô tra koussou miaou miaou owa zeno sou.
Bipoya is small, but he is very valiant.
bipoya is very small ooh but it is very sharp.
(chorus)
women hide.
girls hide too.
the misses hide you who can Bipoya arrives ooohh.
you abused me I don't know what tell me why.
you abused me oooh Bipo, ooh wé.
Yasmine aka, maduro.
sampagne, anne d'arc, meambly evariste.
suke humm, sidonie kotonglo.
koutoubou deni deni koutoubou Bipoya.
koutoubou deni deni oh koutoukoutou Bipoya.
O tra anaconda, O pkè kabè kabè hun.
otra koussou miaou miaou, ô azègouan sou.
Bipoya is small but very brave.
bipoya is very small oh but very dangerous (charles koko).
koutoubou deni deni koutoubou bipoya.
aba koutoubou deni deni oh koutoubou Bipoya, fabrice sawegnon.
you have abused me I don't know what tell me why.
you abused me ooh Bipo.
you dared.
you abused me (eeh) I don't know what tell me why.
you abused me ooh Bipo (alice kobenan).
eeh iyiwéeee, (sylvie niamoutié).
ah bipoya eh ah bipoya (ahoua ahoguié).
ah bipoya goledjo (rock yves bipoya).
ah bipoya goledjo, bipoya golé.
ah bipoya goledjo, eeehi bipoya golé (don karim).
koutoubou deni deni (chorus).
eeeh koutoubou deni deni (chorus).
you abused me ooh, (chorus).
eeehi you abused me ooh (chorus).
eeh koutoubou deni deni, (chorus).
aba koutoukoutoubou deni deni (chorus).
bipoya (theo d almeida), (fefe sovi, vieu père bictogo) aaarh.
(chorus) victor yapobi.
(refrain) bipoya golé.
(chorus) aaah bipoya golé.
(chorus) thierry koffi bipoya (chorus).
yves de m'bella bipoya (chorus).
koutoubou deni deni (chorus).
dagou kouyate bipoya (chorus).
elysee danguiiooo (chorus).
eehh koutoubou deni deni (chorus).
achimoto tanaka (chorus).
Yves Ane Kobea (chorus).
edgar marie de souza (chorus).
eeehi koutoubou deni deni (chorus) number 69.
koutoubou deni deni (chorus).
honorable sahifoulaye (chorus).
Olivier Dungu (chorus).
stacked sack (refrain).
koutoubou deni deni (chorus).
Source: Musixmatch
https://www.google.com/search?ei=EMUoXviJAs23ggeR74WYBg&q=biboya+lyrics+meiway&oq=biboya+lyrics+meiway&gs_l=psy-ab.12...0.0..300162...0.0..0.0.0.......0......gws-wiz.MIS1suDyDIE&ved=0ahUKEwj40b_HmZjnAhXNm-AKHZF3AWMQ4dUDCAs [lyrics partly in French]
-snip-
Please share information about this song if you know it. For instance, what was the other original language in this song besides French and are the English translations of those lyrics?
I recognized Victor Yapobi's name and Yasmine Aka's name in that song from reading the video summary and some of the comments given above. However, who are the other people mentioned in that song and why is the number 69 given in that song?
Thanks in advance for your help in explaining this song.
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
This pancocojams post presents information about Ivory Coast singer/songwriter Meiway and information about the musical genre he developed called "Zoblazo".
This post also showcases the official YouTube video for Meiway's 2016 song "Biboya".
The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
I'm most interested in the music, dancing, and singing that are performed in this video as well as the traditional clothing & head wraps that the women wear and Meiway wears. However, as a person who only speaks and reads English, Google translates' English translations helped me understand what the song/video is about. Thanks Google translate. Additions and corrections are welcome.
All copyright remains with their owners.
Thanks to Meiway for his musical legacy. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to Meiway for sharing this video on YouTube.
****
INFORMATION ABOUT MEIWAY
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meiway
"Frederic Desire Ehui , best known as Meiway (born 17 March 1962 in Grand Bassam), is a singer from the Ivory Coast.[1] He is most notable for pioneering the Zoblazo style.[1] His hits include "200% Zoblazo", "Godeba", "Appolo 95", "Miss Lolo", and "DJ Tassouman"."...
****
INFORMATION ABOUT ZOBLAZO
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoblazo
"Zoblazo is a musical style from Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, created in the early 1990s. It is a cosmopolitan popular dance music with simple up-tempo rhythm and high tech instrumentation and contains a mixture of traditional dance rhythms from southern Côte d'Ivoire.
Zoblazo's best known exponent is Freddy Meiway, who has released a series of Zoblazo records starting in 1989 with the record "Ayibebou" with his group Zo Gang. An ethnic N'Zema from Grand Bassam, Meiway integrated folk rhythms from Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana with and is danced to with a white handkerchief. From his second album in 1990 entitled 200% Zoblazo, Meiway became the second best known Ivorian and N'zema musician after Alpha Blondy, and has released a steady stream records, the most recent 9ème commandement –900% zoblazo released in 2007."...
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO: Meiway - Bipoya [Clip Officiel]
MEIWAY OFFICIEL, Apr 4, 2017
Cette chanson de l'album "Illimitic" sorti en Septembre 2016 m'a été inspirée par ce "buzz" lors de la finale de Miss Côte d'Ivoire 2014. Celui que je surnomme "Bipoya" (Victor Yapobi président du Comici) a défrayé la chronique. Ce titre pour immortaliser cette phrase historique : "Tu as abusé de moi..." de Yasmine Aka la mère d'une candidate malheureuse qui criait au scandale...Réalisation : Jean Jules Porquet pour Erico Séry, Mise en scène : Jean Jules Porquet et Meiway......Acteurs : Pancho, Manan Kampess, Jimmy Danger, N'tangu, Manou Jolie, Groupe Moayé......
-snip-
Google translate from French to English:
This song from the album "Illimitic" released in September 2016 was inspired by this "buzz" during the final of Miss Ivory Coast 2014. The one I nicknamed "Bipoya" (Victor Yapobi president of Comici) has hit the headlines. This title to immortalize this historic sentence: "You have abused me ..." by Yasmine Aka the mother of an unhappy candidate who cried out in scandal ... Director: Jean Jules Porquet for Erico Séry, Director: Jean Jules Porquet and Meiway ...... Actors: Pancho, Manan Kampess, Jimmy Danger, N'tangu, Manou Jolie, Groupe Moayé ...
-snip-
Here are some comments from this video's discussion thread (with numbers added for referencing purposes only)
The Google translate results from French to English are given after the comments that are written in French.
1. Ama Benny, 2017
"Meiway is a legend!"
**
REPLY
2. zingue Hilaire Tia, 2018
"Une très grande légende."
-snip-
"A very great legend."
**
REPLY
3. MegaDiva1999, 2018
"of all times. He should be known globally and recognised accordingly.Spectacular talent"
**
4. Bobi Kouassi, 2017
"😂😂😂😂 paraît il que ça parle de l'abuseur Victor yapobi qui abuse des miss et leur mère"
-snip-
"😂😂😂😂 It seems that it speaks of the abuser Victor Yapobi who abuses the misses and their mother
**
REPLY
5. Elisee Irie, 2017
"Franchement ça m a fait penser à l histoire la miss et sa mère!!"
-snip-
Frankly it made me think of the story of the miss and her mother !!
**
REPLY
6. KeybleuM 2017
"Bobi Kouassi quand on y pense...bipoya, yapobi !"
-snip-
Bobi Kouassi when you think about it ... bipoya, yapobi!
**
REPLY
7. Nana Dasy, 2017
"Bobi Kouassi Mdr en plus il a dit son nom un peu vers la fin la Mdrr"
-snip-
Bobi Kouassi Mdr in addition he said his name a little towards the end the Mdrr
-snip-
"Mdrr" - "As a French translation of the English “lol” and used in exactly the same way, mdr or mort de rire means to be dying of laughter. You know you're chatting like a true native if you add a casual mdrrr to an online conversation." https://www.fluentu.com/blog/french/french-internet-slang-chat-online-native/
**
8. Bobi Kouassi, 2017
"Nana Dasy lol oui il a dit son nom il lui a fait une dédicace. il a aussi fait une dédicace à yasmine aka ( celle qui a dit à la télé " tu as abuser de moi ) et il a même dit les miss cachez vous bipoya ( yapobi ) arrive..... bipoya ( yapobi ) est très petit mais il est très tranchant. yapobi doit porter plainte c'est une attaque direct 😂😂😂😂😂😂"
-snip-
"Nana Dasy lol yes he said his name he made her a dedication. he also made a dedication to yasmine aka (the one who said on tv "you have abused me) and he even said the miss hide you bipoya (yapobi) is coming ..... bipoya (yapobi) is very small but he is very sharp. yapobi must file a complaint it is a direct attack"
**
9. Elise Djait, 2017
"Bobi Kouassi .cest sa mème"
-snip-
"Bobi Kouassi. It's his meme"
**
10. Mohamed Coulibalym 2017
"Bobi Kouassi donc porté contre un artiste aussi existe koi la liberté d'expression à gagné temps"
-snip-
"Bobi Kouassi therefore brought against an artist also exists freedom of expression to save time"
[...]
11. Melina Yao, 2017
"non il a bien fait parce ces elle une mec leçons parce dans la vie pour arriver a tes fin ya des sacrifices surtout pour être miss même chanteur la vie cest un choix ces forcer tu veut être miss qui sait par que pour être miss tu couche avec avec victor yapobi ou tu paye pour gagner d'autre font médicament pour gagner Malika Guindo qui voulait fesait parti des élections de miss côté d'Ivoire elle a fait accident et l'autre qui défilé et a trébuché et est tomber pour être miss côté d'ivoire tu paye cash ok donc mieway a bien prochainement tu va envoyé ta fille pour fait tu va payer cash"
-snip-
"no he did well because these she a guy lessons because in life to reach your end there are sacrifices especially to be miss same singer life is a choice these force you want to be miss who knows that to be miss you sleep with with victor yapobi or you pay to win other make medicine to win Malika Guindo who wanted to be part of the elections of miss side of Ivory she made an accident and the other who marched and tripped and fell to be miss side of ivory you pay cash ok so mieway has soon soon you will send your daughter for fact you will pay cash"
[...]
12. Edwina Edwina, 2018
"Bobi Kouassi lolllll tu m'as kill"
-snip-
"Bobi Kouassi lolllll you killed me"
[...]
13. Juan Cruz, 2020
"Idem🤣🤣🤣🤣"
**
14. Yann Yao, 2020
"Yapobi est petit de taille aussi unh 🤔
-snip-
"Yapobi is small in size also unh 🤔"
****
LYRICS - BIBOYA [English translation of some lyrics]*
(songwriter - Frédéric Désiré Ehui)
shake the women, shake the girls shake the misses.
the abuser arrives (bipoya).
tremble women, tremble girls, tremble the misses.
Bipoya arrives.
koutoubou (christian levry) souu (karaba the witch).
koutoubou deni deni, koutoubou bipoya.
kotoubou deni deni koutoukoutou Bipoya.
ô tra elengue ... ô tra koussou miaou miaou owa zeno sou.
Bipoya is small, but he is very valiant.
bipoya is very small ooh but it is very sharp.
(chorus)
women hide.
girls hide too.
the misses hide you who can Bipoya arrives ooohh.
you abused me I don't know what tell me why.
you abused me oooh Bipo, ooh wé.
Yasmine aka, maduro.
sampagne, anne d'arc, meambly evariste.
suke humm, sidonie kotonglo.
koutoubou deni deni koutoubou Bipoya.
koutoubou deni deni oh koutoukoutou Bipoya.
O tra anaconda, O pkè kabè kabè hun.
otra koussou miaou miaou, ô azègouan sou.
Bipoya is small but very brave.
bipoya is very small oh but very dangerous (charles koko).
koutoubou deni deni koutoubou bipoya.
aba koutoubou deni deni oh koutoubou Bipoya, fabrice sawegnon.
you have abused me I don't know what tell me why.
you abused me ooh Bipo.
you dared.
you abused me (eeh) I don't know what tell me why.
you abused me ooh Bipo (alice kobenan).
eeh iyiwéeee, (sylvie niamoutié).
ah bipoya eh ah bipoya (ahoua ahoguié).
ah bipoya goledjo (rock yves bipoya).
ah bipoya goledjo, bipoya golé.
ah bipoya goledjo, eeehi bipoya golé (don karim).
koutoubou deni deni (chorus).
eeeh koutoubou deni deni (chorus).
you abused me ooh, (chorus).
eeehi you abused me ooh (chorus).
eeh koutoubou deni deni, (chorus).
aba koutoukoutoubou deni deni (chorus).
bipoya (theo d almeida), (fefe sovi, vieu père bictogo) aaarh.
(chorus) victor yapobi.
(refrain) bipoya golé.
(chorus) aaah bipoya golé.
(chorus) thierry koffi bipoya (chorus).
yves de m'bella bipoya (chorus).
koutoubou deni deni (chorus).
dagou kouyate bipoya (chorus).
elysee danguiiooo (chorus).
eehh koutoubou deni deni (chorus).
achimoto tanaka (chorus).
Yves Ane Kobea (chorus).
edgar marie de souza (chorus).
eeehi koutoubou deni deni (chorus) number 69.
koutoubou deni deni (chorus).
honorable sahifoulaye (chorus).
Olivier Dungu (chorus).
stacked sack (refrain).
koutoubou deni deni (chorus).
Source: Musixmatch
https://www.google.com/search?ei=EMUoXviJAs23ggeR74WYBg&q=biboya+lyrics+meiway&oq=biboya+lyrics+meiway&gs_l=psy-ab.12...0.0..300162...0.0..0.0.0.......0......gws-wiz.MIS1suDyDIE&ved=0ahUKEwj40b_HmZjnAhXNm-AKHZF3AWMQ4dUDCAs [lyrics partly in French]
-snip-
Please share information about this song if you know it. For instance, what was the other original language in this song besides French and are the English translations of those lyrics?
I recognized Victor Yapobi's name and Yasmine Aka's name in that song from reading the video summary and some of the comments given above. However, who are the other people mentioned in that song and why is the number 69 given in that song?
Thanks in advance for your help in explaining this song.
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
Saturday, May 18, 2019
Afro B featuring Wizkid- Joanna (Drogba) - (video & lyrics)
Afro B, Published on Aug 2, 2018
[...]
-snip-
Note that this is not the same artist as Afrob, an Italian-born German rapper of Eritrean descent.
-snip-
Statistics as of January 9, 2022 at January 9, 2022 at 2:24 PM EDT total views - 154,718,851 total likes - 1.1M total dislikes -This feature's results isn't working. total comments - 16,547
****
[...]
-snip-
Note that this is not the same artist as Afrob, an Italian-born German rapper of Eritrean descent.
-snip-
Statistics as of January 9, 2022 at January 9, 2022 at 2:24 PM EDT total views - 154,718,851 total likes - 1.1M total dislikes -This feature's results isn't working. total comments - 16,547
****
Edited by Azizi Powell
Latest Update: January 9, 2022 at 2:16 PM EDT with the title "Joanna" which reflects the title by which that song is known in the United States and other revisions/updates.
Latest Update: January 9, 2022 at 2:16 PM EDT with the title "Joanna" which reflects the title by which that song is known in the United States and other revisions/updates.
This is Part I of a two part pancocojams series on Afro B's 2018 hit song "Drogba". This song is actually titled "Drogba".
Part I showcases the official video of that song and includes lyrics and information about that song. Information about Afro B is also included in this post along with information about the song's featured artist Nigerian recording star Wizkid, about Ivory Coast footballer (soccer player) Didier, and about Afrobeats music.
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2019/05/selected-youtube-discussion-thread.html for Part II showcases the official video of Afro B's song "Drogba" (Joanna) and presents selected comments from this video's discussion thread. General comments are featured in Part A and Part B features comments about this video trending online and some probably internet influences on it trending online, particularly a video on the YouTube Channel "Lily's Petal World" that included this song.
That "Lily's Petal World" video is given in the Addendum to that post.
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2019/05/selected-youtube-discussion-thread_19.html for Part III of this series. Part III showcases Afro B's official music video "Drogba" ("Joanna") and provides selected comments about Black people's skin color that are found in that discussion thread.
A YouTube video of a brown skinned girl dancing to Afro B's Drogba (Joanna) song is also included in this post along with my Editor's note about some skin color referents that are used by African Americans.
The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Afro B, Wizkid, and all those who were involved with this video and thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.
****
LYRICS: DROGBA (JOANNA)
Songwriters: Emmanuel Ifeanyi Ezeonyebuchi / Gabriel Wood / Glenard Kojo Patnelli / Ross-Emmanuel Bayeto
(vocalists: Afro B, featuring Wizkid)
Give it to them
Give it to them
Ay give it to them, c'mon
Ay, give it to them, ah ah ah
Give it to them, ah ah ah
Give it to them
Joanna your busy body
Busy tonight
Joanna
Make you no dey dull me tonight
Joanna your busy body giving me life ohh
Hey life eh
Joanna
Jo Jo
Joanna
(Why you do me like that)
Joanna
Jo Jo
Joanna
(How you gonna do me like that)
Joanna
Jo Jo
Joanna
(Hey Joanna)
Joanna
Jo Jo
Joanna
How you gonna play me like Drogba oh, Drogba oh
How you gonna do me like Drogba oh, Drogba oh
Ooh ooh ooh
Didier Drogba oh, Drogba oh
Eh, eh, eh
Didier Drogba oh, Drogba oh
Joanna your busy body
Busy tonight
Joanna
Make you no dey dull me tonight
Joanna your busy body giving me life ohh
Hey life eh
Joanna
Jo Jo
Joanna
(Why you do me like that)
Joanna
Jo Jo
Joanna
(How you gonna do me like that)
Joanna
Jo Jo
Joanna
(Hey Joanna)
Joanna
Jo Jo
Joanna
Joa Joa¸Joa-nna
Why you do me just like that
I go give you all my loving
Love me 'til I love you back
Joa Joa¸Joa-nna
You be the mandem sugar
Mandem sugar
Give me your goody bag
I want your goody bag baby
Give me your goody bag
I want your goody bag baby
Big package, hey
How do I manage, hey
You gon' make me turn savage, hey
Your body cause damage
Joanna
Jo Jo
Joanna
(Why you do me like that)
Joanna
Jo Jo
Joanna
(How you gonna do me like that)
Joanna
Jo Jo
Joanna
(Hey Joanna)
Joanna
Jo Jo
Joanna
How you gonna play me like Drogba oh, Drogba oh
How you gonna do me like Drogba oh, Drogba oh
Ooh ooh ooh
Didier Drogba oh, Drogba oh
Eh, eh, eh
Didier Drogba oh, Drogba oh
Give it to them
Give it to them
Give it to them
Give it to them
Give it to them
Give it to them
Ay, give it to them
Ay, give it to them
****
ADDENDUM
INFORMATION ABOUT AFRO B
From https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/afro-b-interview-UK-afrobeats
There’s a new sound spreading across the UK – a mix of African pop, rap and dancehall, with figures like Kojo Funds, J Hus and Yxng Bane running up some serious figures on YouTube and Soundcloud.
To that list, you can add Afro B. A South Londoner by birth, but tracing his heritage back to the Ivory Coast, he’s one of the scene’s most respected vocalists, with support from Westwood, MistaJam and Toddla T. He also hosts a monthly show on London’s Radar Radio, and recently curated the brand new MOVES compilation – a crucial guide to the UK Afrobeats sound featuring Belly Squad, Mazi Chukz, Naira Marley and more, which drops May 19 and launched with a roadblock party at Red Bull Studios London last month (March 2017).
[...]
What were people calling the music back then – and what do you call it now?
When I first started playing the sound, it was mainly called Afrobeats. There wasn't really the fusion that’s happening right now – it was more authentic sounds from artists from Africa. It's hard to come up with a name, because there's UK Afrobeats, and then there's the sort of music that the likes of J Hus, Kojo Funds and myself are doing.
I call it Afrowave – it's a sort of fusion of hip-hop, dancehall and Afrobeat melodies, all in one. The lyrics make it a UK sound but the actual beat and the melodies expand out to Africa. I actually think African audiences enjoy the more rap-led thing more, because it's so different to what they're used to hearing."...
****
INFORMATION ABOUT WIZKID
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wizkid
"Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun (born 16 July 1990), known professionally as Wizkid, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He began recording music at the age of 11 and released a collaborative album with the Glorious Five, a group he and a couple of his church friends formed.
[...]
In 2016, Wizkid achieved international recognition following
his collaboration with Drake on the hit single "One Dance", which
reached number-one on the US Billboard Hot 100, and topped the charts in 14
additional countries. The song broke multiple records, making Wizkid the first
Afrobeats artist to appear in the Guinness World Records.[3] In March 2017, he signed
a multi-album deal with RCA Records; and released his third studio album Sounds
from the Other Side, later that year. The album was supported by five singles,
including "Come Closer" featuring Drake.
In 2018, he was featured on the song "Checklist" by Normani and Calvin Harris, which reached number-one on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart. The following year, he was featured on Beyoncé's project The Lion King: The Gift on the single "Brown Skin Girl", which also reached number-one on the World Digital Song Sales chart, and won him a Grammy Award for Best Music Video.[4] In October 2020, he released his fourth album, Made in Lagos, which received commercial success and acclaim,[5] reaching number-one on the Billboard World Album Chart.[6] The album includes the single "Essence" featuring Tems, which became the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100,[7] and reached the top ten following a remix released by Justin Bieber.
By February 2021, Wizkid was the most-streamed Nigerian artist of all time on Spotify, with over 3.4 billion streams across all credits.[8]"...
INFORMATION ABOUT DIDIER DROGBA
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Didier_Drogba
"Didier Yves Drogba Tébily ...; born 11 March 1978) is an Ivorian retired professional footballer who played as a striker.[5] He is the all-time top scorer and former captain of the Ivory Coast national team. He is best known for his career at Chelsea, for whom he has scored more goals than any other foreign player and is currently the club's fourth highest goal scorer of all time. He was named African Footballer of the Year twice, winning the accolade in 2006 and 2009."...
****
INFORMATION ABOUT AFROBEATS MUSIC
Excerpt #1:
From https://travelnoire.com/ayo-jay-afrobeats-music/
"Step into any club or lounge in New York, Miami, or Atlanta, and you’re bound to hear energetic beats, Caribbean melodies, and international lyrics. Afrobeats music is the new intentional wave of infectious music reaching outside of the continent and into the rest of the world.
Birthed out of West Africa, Afrobeats is the sound blending traditional African music with contemporary sounds of hip-hop, R&B, and dancehall music. It has been the driving force other genres of music, moving into pop, urban and dance music, taking over mainstream pop culture.
Over the years, it has evolved since the influence of legendary African artist Fela Kuti in the 1970s, with artists creating their own individual style. Kuti’s music and politically driven lyrics were used as a call to action for African politics.
Today, Afrobeats music is much less about politics and more about wanting to dance and have a good time. The genre has definitely made a staple in the US, with WizKid’s constant charting topping hits and Nigerian singer Ayo Jay’s breakout single “Your Number” gaining over 18 million views on YouTube and counting, still."...
****
Excerpt #2: From https://qz.com/africa/1411996/the-global-rise-of-nigerias-afrobeats-music-could-help-fix-the-local-industrys-problems/
..."Over the past decade, a new generation of Nigerian pop stars, like Davido, Wizkid, Niniola and Tiwa Savage have seen the sounds of their Afrobeats music—not to be confused with the politically charged, big-band Afrobeat style of the legendary Fela Kuti—win fans far beyond Nigeria’s shores. The country’s music stars are selling out concert venues in New York, Paris and London, and performing at major music festivals.
Some of Afrobeats’ popularity is due to Nigeria’s vast—and affluent—diaspora around the globe. But crucially, social media, YouTube and access to global streaming sites like Spotify have also contributed to its spread."...
****
This concludes Part I of this two part pancocojams series on Afro B's song "Drogba" ("Joanna").
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
Friday, November 2, 2018
Four Popular Contemporary African Dances: Ndombolo, Coupé Décalé, Azonto, & Gwara Gwara (information and videos)
Edited by Azizi Powell
This pancocojams post provides information about and video examples of four popular contemporary African dances: Ndombolo, Coupé Décalé, Azonto, & Gwara Gwara.
Selected comments from three of these videos' discussion threads are also included in this post.
The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to all those who are featured in these videos and thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
****
INFORMATION ABOUT AND EXAMPLES OF THESE DANCES
Pancocojams Editor's Note:
I believe that these dances are given in the order that they were popularized. Comments about and corrections of this chronology are welcome.
Numbers are assigned for referencing purposes only.
I. NDOMBOLO [Democratic Republic Of The Congo]
INFORMATION:
From https://www.africa.com/top-dance-styles-africa/ Top Dance Styles in Africa
By Lebo Matshego [retrieved October 2018]
"The Ndombolo Dance is a popular Central African dance that originates from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The movements of the dance are reliant on the waist and legs as one moves to the beat of the music.
The dance has been performed by notable artists such as Koffi Olomide and Awilo Longomba, and has come under criticism from authorities who attempted to ban public and media performances of the dance, calling it indecent because of its hip-swinging movements. An attempt to ban the dance from mainstream media in 2000 in Congo only made the dance more popular."
****
VIDEO: How to dance Ndombolo (Congolese Makolongulu Dance) *TUTORIAL* with Ceecee Coco and Aurelie
BM Official, Published on Dec 11, 2016
... Song: BM - Makolongulu
This is a series of tutorials on how to dance African dances. Episode 1 is 'How to dance Ndombolo'. Ndombolo is a Congolese dance style with many different dances. It mainly involves moving your waist and at the same time knowing how to move your legs. Ceecee and Aurelie teach the basics of Congolese Ndombolo to BM's song 'Makolongulu'.
-snip-
Here are some selected comments from this video's discussion thread:
a.t.h91, 2017
"I'm Black American with literally no idea where my ancestors are from in Africa but I see the heavy influences from Africa in our modern movements and music (maybe not ALL the music today because some of it is pure crap). They couldn't weed it out of us, lol. It's amazing when I think about it."
**
REPLY
2. sakurakou2009, 2017
"the apple don't fell far from the tree"
**
REPLY
3. Ms Hill, 2017
"Right i have observed that black peoples dances always originate in the hips and butt no matter where we are from."
**
REPLY
4. sakurakou2009,2017
"@Ms Hill Did you see ethopian shoulder dance ? or zulu people leg dance , africa have variety of different dances ."
**
REPLY
5. Ms Hill, 2017
"No I haven't seen those but to be clear, I am not saying there are not other types of dances but the hip/booty thing seems to be a common thread in black cultures. One of my favorite Youtubers went to Australia and he was showing how the local (blacks) dance and they too had a lot of hip/booty motions. It is just an observation and not meant to imply that there aren't other types of dances. To me this just shows that even though we live in different places geographically, the connection of African is still engrained very deep in our spirits. This is something unique to black culture and I do not see it as a vulgar thing."
**
6. Lauren Milligan, 2018
"This looks like Paris"
**
REPLY
7. J-Hope #ARMY#BLINCK, 2018
"Lauren Milligan it s Paris"
-snip-
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2017/04/congolese-singer-dm-makolongulu-with.html for the pancocojams post "Democratic Republic Of The Congo (Kinshasa) Singer DM - "Makolongulu" (contemporary dance video with selected comments)"
**
8. Sofía Gutiérrez Del río, 2018
"Hello, i love this dance.
what king of dance is it?"
**
REPLY
9. susanv ntombela, 2018
"this is a mix of African dance style I saw South African one here it called Gwara Gwara"
**
10. Avihay L, 2018
"whats the name of the move in 3:22?"
**
REPLY
11. Darci for the win, 2018
"Gwara gwara"
**
12. meite broulaye, 2018
"La vie celle qui a coiffure rouge elle es ivoirienne ,elle danse grave bien ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️"
-snip-
Google translate from French to English:
"Life the one who has red hairstyle she is Ivorian, she dances serious well ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️"
REPLY
13. eff Foumey, 2018
"meite broulaye , normal .le couper décaler est une musique ivoirienne.ils ont grandi avec ce rythme là
-snip-
Google translate from French to English
meite broulaye, normal .the cut shift is an Ivorian music. they grew up with this rhythm there
-snip-
couper decaler a dance name. Google translate always mistranslates this dance name to "cut shift".
**
14. Sara Flower, 2018
"Lafrobeat the moove of love..cest le beat qui eradique le racisme. regardez comme c'est beau de voir tous les âges et races unis en ce moment. Champion à vous."
-snip-
Google translate from French to English: it's the beat that eradicates racism. look how beautiful it is to see all ages and races united right now. Champion to you.
****
II. COUPE-DECALE (Ivory Coast)
INFORMATION:
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coup%C3%A9-D%C3%A9cal%C3%A9
"Coupé-Décalé is a type of popular dance music originating from Côte d'Ivoire and the Ivorian diaspora in Paris, France. Drawing heavily from Zouglou and Zouk with African influences, Coupé-Décalé is a very percussive style featuring African samples, deep bass, and repetitive minimalist arrangements.
History
While Coupé-Décalé is known as Côte d'Ivoire's definitive pop music, it actually began in Paris, created by a group of Ivorian DJs at the Atlantis, an African nightclub in northeast Paris.[1][2] These Djs, known as the 'Jet Set', became popular for their flamboyant style, often showing up at the club with large amounts of cash which they would hand out to audiences on the dance floor. Their aesthetic defined the early sounds of Coupé Décalé, apparent in the genre's name. In Nouchi (Ivorian slang), Coupé means "to cheat" and Décalé means to "run away", so Coupé-Décalé basically means to cheat somebody and run away.[1] The 'somebody' cheated is generally interpreted to mean France or the West/Europe, finding parallels to the idea of "The Man" in American culture. Especially in the beginning, the songs often celebrated those who had used guile to 'make it' abroad. The word boucantier (English: "shoe-maker") was applied to performers with unusual style, as well as to their imitators.[3]
The genre's first hit, "Sagacité" was pioneered by the late Stephane Doukouré (a.k.a. "Douk-Saga"), a member of the 'Jet Set', during the post-2002 militaro-political crisis in Côte d'Ivoire. The hit became a success in African clubs in Paris and spread quickly among disc jockeys in Côte d'Ivoire."...
****
VIDEO: Couper décaler
BeN YmCnB, Published on Oct 21, 2014
****
III. AZONTO (Ghana)
INFORMATION: From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azonto
"Origin Ghana
Azonto is a dance and music genre from Ghana. The dance originated from a traditional dance called Kpanlogo, associated with the coastal towns in the country such as Chorkor, James Town, La, Teshie, Nungua and Tema, in the Greater Accra Region.[1]
Songs in the Afrobeat genre are usually the ones dedicated to the Azonto dance. Other music genres, however, can also be used.
The dance involves a set of hand movements that either mimic everyday activities or are meant to amuse an audience. It began with one- or two-step movements but has been advanced to more complex and almost acrobatic movements. Just like most African dances, Azonto involves knee bending and hip movements. The dance has effectively evolved from a few basic moves to miming actions such as ironing of clothes, washing, driving, boxing, praying, swimming, and others.[2]
History
The term "Azonto" was originally a rude reference to wayward girls, it stems from the word "Abontoa", which means an ugly girl, but it has since lost its sting. The dance "azonto" is a communicative dance believed to originate from "Apaa" which literally means to work. Apaa was used to show the profession of an individual. The azonto dance has since grown further to relay coded messages. The dance later got into the minds of most Ghanaians. In the same year (2013), most Ghanaian music videos were full of Azonto dance and later spread to most African countries and other parts of the world.[3]"...
****
VIDEO: AZONTO DANCE............FROM GHANA
pizzarobonner, Published on Oct 31, 2011
-snip-
Here's some comments from this video's discussion thread:
1. jaquline stevenson, 2013
"Song : Azonto - Fuse ODG"
**
2. pepsi taylor, 2013
"This is the dance that started Azonto craze!"
-snip-
My guess is that the commenter meant that this is the dance song that started the Azonto craze.
**
3. Philip Bellars, 2013
"Fuse is from London his parents are Ghanaian"
**
REPLY
4. Kobi Fabin, 2013
"I know....I'm talking about his heritage...like me, from London but of Ghanaian heritage and proud."
**
5. Regina Leistner, 2013
"I am from Germany but my heart beats for Ghana and i am in my heart a ghanian woman. God bless Ghana"
**
6. Amor Hicks, 2016
"This is the song I heard in my Trip to Ghana it is awesome."
**
REPLY
7. She's So Jerzee, 2016
"Me too I've been hooked every since loll."
****
IV. GWARA GWARA (South Africa)
INFORMATION: From https://www.africa.com/top-dance-styles-africa/ Top Dance Styles in Africa
By Lebo Matshego [retrieved October 2018]
"The Gwara Gwara Dance was made popular by South African dance music artist, DJ Bongz, with the introduction of his hit single “Ofana Nawe,” featuring Sobz.
The dance went viral after DJ Bongz posted tutorials of how to do the dance on his social media streams, and has been featured in the videos of some of the country’s biggest hits, including “Wololo” by Babes Wodumo and “Gobisiqolo” by Bhizer. Gwara Gwara dance has become one of the most popular dance styles in Africa.”...
-snip-
[sound file] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71ja7oxvVuE
Sobz ft Dj Bongz - Ofana Nawe
shelton DjGoscote, Published on May 9, 2015
****
VIDEO: How To Gwara Gwara (Dance Tutorial) | Chop Daily
Chop Daily, Published on Feb 16, 2018
How To Gwara Gwara (Dance Tutorial) | Chop Daily
[...]
Intro & Outro Song: Eugy - Tick Tock
Track 1: DJ Maphorisa - Midnight Starring
Track 2: Patoranking - Available
-snip-
-snip-
Here are three comments from this video's discussion thread:
lungile buthelezi, July 2018
"Thank you guys soooo much for mentioning that it comes from South Africa. Some people and celebrities dnt gv credit to the countries for the dance moves"
1. Keelan Block, July 2018
"omg im from south africa and you guys killed it 🔥🔥🔥🔥"
**
2. XxPlayMakerxX131, July 2018
"this is the dance that is used in the childish gambino music video"
-snip-
That video is for the Childish Gambino song “This Is America”.
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
This pancocojams post provides information about and video examples of four popular contemporary African dances: Ndombolo, Coupé Décalé, Azonto, & Gwara Gwara.
Selected comments from three of these videos' discussion threads are also included in this post.
The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to all those who are featured in these videos and thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
****
INFORMATION ABOUT AND EXAMPLES OF THESE DANCES
Pancocojams Editor's Note:
I believe that these dances are given in the order that they were popularized. Comments about and corrections of this chronology are welcome.
Numbers are assigned for referencing purposes only.
I. NDOMBOLO [Democratic Republic Of The Congo]
INFORMATION:
From https://www.africa.com/top-dance-styles-africa/ Top Dance Styles in Africa
By Lebo Matshego [retrieved October 2018]
"The Ndombolo Dance is a popular Central African dance that originates from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The movements of the dance are reliant on the waist and legs as one moves to the beat of the music.
The dance has been performed by notable artists such as Koffi Olomide and Awilo Longomba, and has come under criticism from authorities who attempted to ban public and media performances of the dance, calling it indecent because of its hip-swinging movements. An attempt to ban the dance from mainstream media in 2000 in Congo only made the dance more popular."
****
VIDEO: How to dance Ndombolo (Congolese Makolongulu Dance) *TUTORIAL* with Ceecee Coco and Aurelie
BM Official, Published on Dec 11, 2016
... Song: BM - Makolongulu
This is a series of tutorials on how to dance African dances. Episode 1 is 'How to dance Ndombolo'. Ndombolo is a Congolese dance style with many different dances. It mainly involves moving your waist and at the same time knowing how to move your legs. Ceecee and Aurelie teach the basics of Congolese Ndombolo to BM's song 'Makolongulu'.
-snip-
Here are some selected comments from this video's discussion thread:
a.t.h91, 2017
"I'm Black American with literally no idea where my ancestors are from in Africa but I see the heavy influences from Africa in our modern movements and music (maybe not ALL the music today because some of it is pure crap). They couldn't weed it out of us, lol. It's amazing when I think about it."
**
REPLY
2. sakurakou2009, 2017
"the apple don't fell far from the tree"
**
REPLY
3. Ms Hill, 2017
"Right i have observed that black peoples dances always originate in the hips and butt no matter where we are from."
**
REPLY
4. sakurakou2009,2017
"@Ms Hill Did you see ethopian shoulder dance ? or zulu people leg dance , africa have variety of different dances ."
**
REPLY
5. Ms Hill, 2017
"No I haven't seen those but to be clear, I am not saying there are not other types of dances but the hip/booty thing seems to be a common thread in black cultures. One of my favorite Youtubers went to Australia and he was showing how the local (blacks) dance and they too had a lot of hip/booty motions. It is just an observation and not meant to imply that there aren't other types of dances. To me this just shows that even though we live in different places geographically, the connection of African is still engrained very deep in our spirits. This is something unique to black culture and I do not see it as a vulgar thing."
**
6. Lauren Milligan, 2018
"This looks like Paris"
**
REPLY
7. J-Hope #ARMY#BLINCK, 2018
"Lauren Milligan it s Paris"
-snip-
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2017/04/congolese-singer-dm-makolongulu-with.html for the pancocojams post "Democratic Republic Of The Congo (Kinshasa) Singer DM - "Makolongulu" (contemporary dance video with selected comments)"
**
8. Sofía Gutiérrez Del río, 2018
"Hello, i love this dance.
what king of dance is it?"
**
REPLY
9. susanv ntombela, 2018
"this is a mix of African dance style I saw South African one here it called Gwara Gwara"
**
10. Avihay L, 2018
"whats the name of the move in 3:22?"
**
REPLY
11. Darci for the win, 2018
"Gwara gwara"
**
12. meite broulaye, 2018
"La vie celle qui a coiffure rouge elle es ivoirienne ,elle danse grave bien ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️"
-snip-
Google translate from French to English:
"Life the one who has red hairstyle she is Ivorian, she dances serious well ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️"
REPLY
13. eff Foumey, 2018
"meite broulaye , normal .le couper décaler est une musique ivoirienne.ils ont grandi avec ce rythme là
-snip-
Google translate from French to English
meite broulaye, normal .the cut shift is an Ivorian music. they grew up with this rhythm there
-snip-
couper decaler a dance name. Google translate always mistranslates this dance name to "cut shift".
**
14. Sara Flower, 2018
"Lafrobeat the moove of love..cest le beat qui eradique le racisme. regardez comme c'est beau de voir tous les âges et races unis en ce moment. Champion à vous."
-snip-
Google translate from French to English: it's the beat that eradicates racism. look how beautiful it is to see all ages and races united right now. Champion to you.
****
II. COUPE-DECALE (Ivory Coast)
INFORMATION:
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coup%C3%A9-D%C3%A9cal%C3%A9
"Coupé-Décalé is a type of popular dance music originating from Côte d'Ivoire and the Ivorian diaspora in Paris, France. Drawing heavily from Zouglou and Zouk with African influences, Coupé-Décalé is a very percussive style featuring African samples, deep bass, and repetitive minimalist arrangements.
History
While Coupé-Décalé is known as Côte d'Ivoire's definitive pop music, it actually began in Paris, created by a group of Ivorian DJs at the Atlantis, an African nightclub in northeast Paris.[1][2] These Djs, known as the 'Jet Set', became popular for their flamboyant style, often showing up at the club with large amounts of cash which they would hand out to audiences on the dance floor. Their aesthetic defined the early sounds of Coupé Décalé, apparent in the genre's name. In Nouchi (Ivorian slang), Coupé means "to cheat" and Décalé means to "run away", so Coupé-Décalé basically means to cheat somebody and run away.[1] The 'somebody' cheated is generally interpreted to mean France or the West/Europe, finding parallels to the idea of "The Man" in American culture. Especially in the beginning, the songs often celebrated those who had used guile to 'make it' abroad. The word boucantier (English: "shoe-maker") was applied to performers with unusual style, as well as to their imitators.[3]
The genre's first hit, "Sagacité" was pioneered by the late Stephane Doukouré (a.k.a. "Douk-Saga"), a member of the 'Jet Set', during the post-2002 militaro-political crisis in Côte d'Ivoire. The hit became a success in African clubs in Paris and spread quickly among disc jockeys in Côte d'Ivoire."...
****
VIDEO: Couper décaler
BeN YmCnB, Published on Oct 21, 2014
****
III. AZONTO (Ghana)
INFORMATION: From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azonto
"Origin Ghana
Azonto is a dance and music genre from Ghana. The dance originated from a traditional dance called Kpanlogo, associated with the coastal towns in the country such as Chorkor, James Town, La, Teshie, Nungua and Tema, in the Greater Accra Region.[1]
Songs in the Afrobeat genre are usually the ones dedicated to the Azonto dance. Other music genres, however, can also be used.
The dance involves a set of hand movements that either mimic everyday activities or are meant to amuse an audience. It began with one- or two-step movements but has been advanced to more complex and almost acrobatic movements. Just like most African dances, Azonto involves knee bending and hip movements. The dance has effectively evolved from a few basic moves to miming actions such as ironing of clothes, washing, driving, boxing, praying, swimming, and others.[2]
History
The term "Azonto" was originally a rude reference to wayward girls, it stems from the word "Abontoa", which means an ugly girl, but it has since lost its sting. The dance "azonto" is a communicative dance believed to originate from "Apaa" which literally means to work. Apaa was used to show the profession of an individual. The azonto dance has since grown further to relay coded messages. The dance later got into the minds of most Ghanaians. In the same year (2013), most Ghanaian music videos were full of Azonto dance and later spread to most African countries and other parts of the world.[3]"...
****
VIDEO: AZONTO DANCE............FROM GHANA
pizzarobonner, Published on Oct 31, 2011
-snip-
Here's some comments from this video's discussion thread:
1. jaquline stevenson, 2013
"Song : Azonto - Fuse ODG"
**
2. pepsi taylor, 2013
"This is the dance that started Azonto craze!"
-snip-
My guess is that the commenter meant that this is the dance song that started the Azonto craze.
**
3. Philip Bellars, 2013
"Fuse is from London his parents are Ghanaian"
**
REPLY
4. Kobi Fabin, 2013
"I know....I'm talking about his heritage...like me, from London but of Ghanaian heritage and proud."
**
5. Regina Leistner, 2013
"I am from Germany but my heart beats for Ghana and i am in my heart a ghanian woman. God bless Ghana"
**
6. Amor Hicks, 2016
"This is the song I heard in my Trip to Ghana it is awesome."
**
REPLY
7. She's So Jerzee, 2016
"Me too I've been hooked every since loll."
****
IV. GWARA GWARA (South Africa)
INFORMATION: From https://www.africa.com/top-dance-styles-africa/ Top Dance Styles in Africa
By Lebo Matshego [retrieved October 2018]
"The Gwara Gwara Dance was made popular by South African dance music artist, DJ Bongz, with the introduction of his hit single “Ofana Nawe,” featuring Sobz.
The dance went viral after DJ Bongz posted tutorials of how to do the dance on his social media streams, and has been featured in the videos of some of the country’s biggest hits, including “Wololo” by Babes Wodumo and “Gobisiqolo” by Bhizer. Gwara Gwara dance has become one of the most popular dance styles in Africa.”...
-snip-
[sound file] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71ja7oxvVuE
Sobz ft Dj Bongz - Ofana Nawe
shelton DjGoscote, Published on May 9, 2015
****
VIDEO: How To Gwara Gwara (Dance Tutorial) | Chop Daily
Chop Daily, Published on Feb 16, 2018
How To Gwara Gwara (Dance Tutorial) | Chop Daily
[...]
Intro & Outro Song: Eugy - Tick Tock
Track 1: DJ Maphorisa - Midnight Starring
Track 2: Patoranking - Available
-snip-
-snip-
Here are three comments from this video's discussion thread:
lungile buthelezi, July 2018
"Thank you guys soooo much for mentioning that it comes from South Africa. Some people and celebrities dnt gv credit to the countries for the dance moves"
1. Keelan Block, July 2018
"omg im from south africa and you guys killed it 🔥🔥🔥🔥"
**
2. XxPlayMakerxX131, July 2018
"this is the dance that is used in the childish gambino music video"
-snip-
That video is for the Childish Gambino song “This Is America”.
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
Information About The Meaning Of Ivory Coast's "Zaouli de Manfla" Fast Foot Work Mask Dance
Edited by Azizi Powell
This pancocojams post showcases two videos of the Ivory Coast's Zaouli dance and presents information compiled from several internet articles about the meaning of that dance. A comment exchange about this dance from a YouTube video's discussion thread is also included in this post.
The content of this post is presented for folkloric, cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to all those who are featured in these videos and thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
-snip-
Discussion threads of most YouTube videos about the Zaouli dances include comments about that dance being the source of or very similar to fast footwork dances in the United States and elsewhere in the African Diaspora.
I haven't included any of those comments in this post. However, for a 2012 pancocojams post with that focus, click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/02/shared-aesthetics-ivory-coast-mask.html for the 2012 pancocojams post "Shared Aesthetics: Ivory Coast Mask Dances & Chicago Footwork". Some of the content from that 2012 post is included in this post.
****
SHOWCASE VIDEOS
Example #1: Zaouli de Manfla
KONAN947, Published on Feb 26, 2010
****
Example #2: Mask collective + Festima - Zaouli de la Côte d'Ivoire
Mask Collective, Published on Mar 16, 2014
Interview avec la troupe Zaouli de la Côte d'Ivoire, de la ville de Bouaflé
Réalisée par Mask Collective lors du Festima 2014, Dédougou, Burkina Faso.
pour plus de vidéos sur les masques
-snip-
This video features French narration with English sub-titles.
A few comments from this video's discussion thread are given below under Excerpt #7.
****
EXCERPTS ABOUT THE MEANING OF IVORY COAST'S ZOULI DANCE
These excerpts are given in no particular order and are numbered for referencing purposes only.
Excerpt #1:
From http://dailyscience.be/28/08/2014/la-vitalite-des-masques-est-toujours-intense-en-afrique-occidentale/ LA VITALITÉ DES MASQUES EST TOUJOURS INTENSE EN AFRIQUE OCCIDENTALE; Publié le 28 août 2014; par Raphaël Duboisdenghien
"[...]
Le masque le plus célèbre
Le masque «Gyela lu Zauli», qui illustre la couverture du livre, est le plus célèbre parmi ceux qui se produisent en milieu guro. Son apparition date des années 1950. Elle est associée à une histoire dramatique qui fonctionne depuis comme une légende. Celle d’un père qui nourrit une passion peu commune à l’égard de sa fille. L’homme se conduit en mari jaloux et possessif. Pour avoir son enfant toujours auprès de lui, il l’entraîne dans la forêt sacrée interdite aux femmes. Et la jeune fille périt.
Le masque «Gyela lu Zauli» est censé la représenter et honorer sa mémoire. L’histoire est aussi marquée par un autre événement douloureux. Le meurtre d’un porteur du masque, danseur exceptionnel, commandité par un envieux désireux de procéder à des pratiques occultes.
Ces deux récits contiennent tous les ingrédients qui génèrent l’admiration chez les Guro. Il y a la gloire, la célébrité, la beauté et le talent recherchés par tous. Ainsi que l’audace de braver les interdits. Tout en étant un masque de la première catégorie, Gyela lu Zauli se voit ainsi nimbé du halo inquiétant du surnaturel. On sent confusément que l’on pénètre dans une sphère plus dangereuse. Celle des manipulations sorcières stimulées par les caractères d’exception.»
Récupérer le prestige perdu
La danse rythme les sorties masquées des Guro. Les porteurs sont tous des hommes… «Je perçois les femmes comme un véritable étalon de mesure de l’importance des masques. Car plus ils sont sacrés, moins elles y ont accès. Au sommet de cette échelle se situent ceux qu’elles ne peuvent voir sous aucun prétexte. Au mieux peuvent-elles entendre confusément les sons inquiétants qu’ils émettent lorsqu’ils apparaissent devant les hommes alors qu’elles sont terrées dans leur maison. Plus les masques sont sacrés, plus ils sont dangereux. Et plus les femmes les craignent.»
Tous les hommes ne portent pas un masque… «Au-delà de la démarche périlleuse qui consiste à revêtir un masque et son costume, un homme engage sa vie ou celle d’un membre de sa famille. En effet, il n’est pas rare que des actes de sorcellerie soient relatés. Ils consistent à sacrifier quelqu’un, pour accroître ses capacités techniques ou surnaturelles. Au cours des recherches, j’ai défendu la thèse que les hommes guro récupéraient, par le biais des masques, le prestige perdu par l’abandon des activités liées à la guerre et à la chasse.»
-snip-
Google translate from French to English
"The most famous mask
The mask "Gyela lu Zauli", which illustrates the cover of the book, is the most famous among those that occur in guro environment. Its appearance dates back to the 1950s. It is associated with a dramatic story that has since operated as a legend. That of a father who feeds an unusual passion for his daughter. The man behaves like a jealous and possessive husband. To have his child always near him, he takes him [her] to the sacred forest forbidden to women. And the girl perishes.
The mask "Gyela lu Zauli" is supposed to represent her and honor her memory. The story is also marked by another painful event. The murder of a mask-wearer, an exceptional dancer, ordered by an envious person who wants to practice occult practices.
These two stories contain all the ingredients that generate admiration among the Guro. There is the glory, the celebrity, the beauty and the talent sought by all. And the audacity to brave the forbidden. While being a mask of the first category, Gyela lu Zauli is thus covered with the disturbing halo of the supernatural. One feels confusedly that one enters a more dangerous sphere. That of witch manipulations stimulated by the characters of exception.
Recover lost prestige
The dance rhythms the masked outings of Guro. The porters are all men ... "I see women as a true standard for measuring the importance of masks. Because the more they are sacred, the less they have access to it. At the top of this scale are those whom they can not see under any pretext. At best they can hear confusedly the disturbing sounds they emit when they appear in front of men while they are holed up in their home. The more sacred the masks are, the more dangerous they are. And the more women fear them. "
All men do not wear a mask ... "Beyond the perilous step of wearing a mask and his suit, a man commits his life or that of a member of his family. Indeed, it is not uncommon for acts of witchcraft to be recounted. They consist in sacrificing someone to increase their technical or supernatural abilities. During the research, I defended the thesis that men guro recovered, through masks, the prestige lost by the abandonment of activities related to war and hunting."
****
Excerpt #2
From http://www.clas.ufl.edu/jur/200003/papers/paper_azoubel.html
Journal of Undergraduate Research University Of Florida
Volume 1, Issue 6 - March 2000; Juliana Azoubel; "The Cote d'Ivoire Mask Tradition from the Viewpoint of Dance Ethnology: Dancing the Gap between Spirit and Human Worlds
"The Cote d'Ivoire (the Ivory Coast) is the origin of several of the most important and interesting masking traditions in Africa. In the West, these masks have been viewed primarily as art objects. Through their embodiment in dance, however, masks are the way many Ivorians communicate with supernatural forces and bring power to the community...
[...]
THE ZAOULI MASK AND HER FLIRTATIOUS SISTER FLALI
According to the Guros, the masks that did not originate from the animal spirits are entertainment masks, and among them are Sauli (Zaouli), Flali and Wali. The essential dance activity for the Zaouli mask is rapid-fire movement of the feet. Dictated by the rhythm of the drums for both the Zaouli figure and the head movements of the forest dancers, this dance is high speed and very dynamic (Poynor). "Saouli masks are topped by multi-figured compositions, the subjects of which often have nothing to do with the dance itself. The purpose of the superstructure seems to be to introduce an element of surprise into the entertainment and to increase its attractiveness"(Poynor 173)...
Zaouli is female yet the Zaouli performer is always male. The cross-gender mask performs on many different occasions to amuse people: during holidays, for entertainment of visitors to the community, to collect food from the community members during the initiation process, and also in some funeral ceremonies. Zaouli has a young sister called Flali. This mask, also performed exclusively by men, shares many characteristics of Zaouli, including the actual mask. It is entirely the dance activity that distinguishes Flali from her sister, Zaouli. Flali shows more charm and flirting in her performance. She uses a high proportion of upper back articulation in her dance, contrasting the forceful footwork-based that characterizes Zaouli. The performance of Flali is a deep play on movement characteristics of a woman and the dance becomes exaggeratedly feminine and more delicate than a female dancer's, and of Zaouli's for that matter."...
****
Excerpt #3
From https://thekidshouldseethis.com/post/zaouli-de-manfla-the-zaouli-dance-of-the-ivory-coast-west-africa
"Zaouli de Manfla, a mask dance from the Gouro or Kweni culture, filmed by African dance teacher Konan Kouakou David in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa. Of the tradition, he writes:
Zaouli is a popular mask dance created by Gouros in the fifties. Legends at the origin of the Zaouli mask and dance are diverse, but all say that they were inspired by a very beautiful girl named “Djela Lou Zaouli”, daugther of Zaouli...
Each Gouro village has its local Zaouli dancer, who performs during funerals or parties. A musicians and singers orchestra first call the Zaouli dancer by its music. The dancer wearing the mask covered by a cloth then arrives after a predecessor who unveils the mask. After the beauty of the mask has been shown to the audience, the dancer performs extremely quick and rhythmical steps according to the flutes of the orchestra. Hands and feet follow a common choreography improvised by the dancer according to the music."
****
Excerpt #4:
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zaouli
"Zaouli is a traditional dance of the Guro people (who speak the Guro language) of central Ivory Coast. The Zaouli mask, used in the dance, was created in the 1950s, reportedly inspired by a girl named "Djela Lou Zaouli"[1] (meaning "Zaouli, daughter of Djela").[2] However, stories on the origins of the mask are varied, and each mask can have its own symbolic history.[3]
Each Guro village has a local Zaouli dancer (always male), performing during funerals and celebrations.[1] The dance is believed to increase the productivity of a village that it is performed in, and is seen as tool of unity for the Guro community, and by extension the whole country.
In popular culture
The Sri Lankan-English rapper M.I.A. included a clip of a Zaouli dance in her video "Matahdatah Scroll 01: Broader Than A Border".
****
Excerpt #5:
From https://www.cnn.com/2016/10/11/africa/zaouli-mask-dance/index.html Possession obsession: What happens when you don the Zaouli mask
By Earl Nurse and Thomas Page, for CNN Updated 4:41 AM ET, Tue October 11, 2016
..."Donning a Zaouli mask has a profound effect on its wearer. The process is taken seriously and filming it is prohibited. Only the initiated are permitted to bear witness -- and women are strictly forbidden.
"The bearer changes," Anoh explains, "the spirits take control of him. He is separated from all that happens around him... Once he will put the mask on, it will not be him again that will be dancing, but the spirit that will possess his body.
[...]
In Ivory Coast, people consulted masks when danger was coming, the chief explains. Some masks protect villages, some counter bad spalls; others are used to rejoice.
Each Zaouli mask can take as long as six days to carve. Made of Yaranza wood, the process is secretive, each artisan using their own approach. Ouagene Coulibaly, president of the Association of the Village Artisans of Bassam, will show CNN his work in progress, but refuses to divulge how he finishes his unique and sacred works.
When it happens the dance is fast and furious, the masked man churning up dust beneath his feet. Provoked to keep up the pace by his dance partner, it's a superhuman effort guided by the spirits.”...
****
Excerpt #6:
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgbmeB5HJrs ZAOULI au funeraille de IRIE_DOBO à Bédiala, published by som2bedi on Aug 21, 2012
[selected comments]
1. Baba Basen, April 2018
"and you play this when someone dies? (herd it somewhere)"
**
REPLY
2. bi tra dieudonné, June 2018
"No sometimes in ceremonies of baptism, wedding ceremony and even in front of authorities. So no only if someone dies. Am gouro and am proud of being it"
-snip-
Given the sentence before it, I believe that this commenter meant “So [this dance is not only [performed] if someone dies”.
****
Excerpt #7:
From https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5893219718076521675#overview Mask collective + Festima - Zaouli de la Côte d'Ivoire, published by Mask Collective on Mar 16, 2014
[selected comments]
1. senhuan, 2015
"What's the guy doing behind the masked dancer? Is he there for a purpose? Or just happened to want to be there?"
**
2. REPLY
cabrioletcook1, 2017
"He’s narrating the story of the dance"
**
3. Merveil Meok, 2016
"Translation:
First man: Our dance is called the Zaouli (pronounced "za-U-lee"). We are from the Ivory Coast, precisely from a town called Bouaflé (pronounced "bwa-flay").
Once upon a time, the dance originated with farmers who gathered at night to dance after a long day of work in the fields. The dance is named after the daughter of its creator. She was called Djella Lou Zaouli (pronounced "jay-lah lou za-u-lee"), which means (Djella daughter of Zaouli).
------
Second man: The Zaouli is international because the dance has now been shown around the world. In the Ivory Coast, all the best dancers are looked at and only one is chosen to be the best among the best. This dancer here was named the best."
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
This pancocojams post showcases two videos of the Ivory Coast's Zaouli dance and presents information compiled from several internet articles about the meaning of that dance. A comment exchange about this dance from a YouTube video's discussion thread is also included in this post.
The content of this post is presented for folkloric, cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to all those who are featured in these videos and thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
-snip-
Discussion threads of most YouTube videos about the Zaouli dances include comments about that dance being the source of or very similar to fast footwork dances in the United States and elsewhere in the African Diaspora.
I haven't included any of those comments in this post. However, for a 2012 pancocojams post with that focus, click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/02/shared-aesthetics-ivory-coast-mask.html for the 2012 pancocojams post "Shared Aesthetics: Ivory Coast Mask Dances & Chicago Footwork". Some of the content from that 2012 post is included in this post.
****
SHOWCASE VIDEOS
Example #1: Zaouli de Manfla
KONAN947, Published on Feb 26, 2010
****
Example #2: Mask collective + Festima - Zaouli de la Côte d'Ivoire
Mask Collective, Published on Mar 16, 2014
Interview avec la troupe Zaouli de la Côte d'Ivoire, de la ville de Bouaflé
Réalisée par Mask Collective lors du Festima 2014, Dédougou, Burkina Faso.
pour plus de vidéos sur les masques
-snip-
This video features French narration with English sub-titles.
A few comments from this video's discussion thread are given below under Excerpt #7.
****
EXCERPTS ABOUT THE MEANING OF IVORY COAST'S ZOULI DANCE
These excerpts are given in no particular order and are numbered for referencing purposes only.
Excerpt #1:
From http://dailyscience.be/28/08/2014/la-vitalite-des-masques-est-toujours-intense-en-afrique-occidentale/ LA VITALITÉ DES MASQUES EST TOUJOURS INTENSE EN AFRIQUE OCCIDENTALE; Publié le 28 août 2014; par Raphaël Duboisdenghien
"[...]
Le masque le plus célèbre
Le masque «Gyela lu Zauli», qui illustre la couverture du livre, est le plus célèbre parmi ceux qui se produisent en milieu guro. Son apparition date des années 1950. Elle est associée à une histoire dramatique qui fonctionne depuis comme une légende. Celle d’un père qui nourrit une passion peu commune à l’égard de sa fille. L’homme se conduit en mari jaloux et possessif. Pour avoir son enfant toujours auprès de lui, il l’entraîne dans la forêt sacrée interdite aux femmes. Et la jeune fille périt.
Le masque «Gyela lu Zauli» est censé la représenter et honorer sa mémoire. L’histoire est aussi marquée par un autre événement douloureux. Le meurtre d’un porteur du masque, danseur exceptionnel, commandité par un envieux désireux de procéder à des pratiques occultes.
Ces deux récits contiennent tous les ingrédients qui génèrent l’admiration chez les Guro. Il y a la gloire, la célébrité, la beauté et le talent recherchés par tous. Ainsi que l’audace de braver les interdits. Tout en étant un masque de la première catégorie, Gyela lu Zauli se voit ainsi nimbé du halo inquiétant du surnaturel. On sent confusément que l’on pénètre dans une sphère plus dangereuse. Celle des manipulations sorcières stimulées par les caractères d’exception.»
Récupérer le prestige perdu
La danse rythme les sorties masquées des Guro. Les porteurs sont tous des hommes… «Je perçois les femmes comme un véritable étalon de mesure de l’importance des masques. Car plus ils sont sacrés, moins elles y ont accès. Au sommet de cette échelle se situent ceux qu’elles ne peuvent voir sous aucun prétexte. Au mieux peuvent-elles entendre confusément les sons inquiétants qu’ils émettent lorsqu’ils apparaissent devant les hommes alors qu’elles sont terrées dans leur maison. Plus les masques sont sacrés, plus ils sont dangereux. Et plus les femmes les craignent.»
Tous les hommes ne portent pas un masque… «Au-delà de la démarche périlleuse qui consiste à revêtir un masque et son costume, un homme engage sa vie ou celle d’un membre de sa famille. En effet, il n’est pas rare que des actes de sorcellerie soient relatés. Ils consistent à sacrifier quelqu’un, pour accroître ses capacités techniques ou surnaturelles. Au cours des recherches, j’ai défendu la thèse que les hommes guro récupéraient, par le biais des masques, le prestige perdu par l’abandon des activités liées à la guerre et à la chasse.»
-snip-
Google translate from French to English
"The most famous mask
The mask "Gyela lu Zauli", which illustrates the cover of the book, is the most famous among those that occur in guro environment. Its appearance dates back to the 1950s. It is associated with a dramatic story that has since operated as a legend. That of a father who feeds an unusual passion for his daughter. The man behaves like a jealous and possessive husband. To have his child always near him, he takes him [her] to the sacred forest forbidden to women. And the girl perishes.
The mask "Gyela lu Zauli" is supposed to represent her and honor her memory. The story is also marked by another painful event. The murder of a mask-wearer, an exceptional dancer, ordered by an envious person who wants to practice occult practices.
These two stories contain all the ingredients that generate admiration among the Guro. There is the glory, the celebrity, the beauty and the talent sought by all. And the audacity to brave the forbidden. While being a mask of the first category, Gyela lu Zauli is thus covered with the disturbing halo of the supernatural. One feels confusedly that one enters a more dangerous sphere. That of witch manipulations stimulated by the characters of exception.
Recover lost prestige
The dance rhythms the masked outings of Guro. The porters are all men ... "I see women as a true standard for measuring the importance of masks. Because the more they are sacred, the less they have access to it. At the top of this scale are those whom they can not see under any pretext. At best they can hear confusedly the disturbing sounds they emit when they appear in front of men while they are holed up in their home. The more sacred the masks are, the more dangerous they are. And the more women fear them. "
All men do not wear a mask ... "Beyond the perilous step of wearing a mask and his suit, a man commits his life or that of a member of his family. Indeed, it is not uncommon for acts of witchcraft to be recounted. They consist in sacrificing someone to increase their technical or supernatural abilities. During the research, I defended the thesis that men guro recovered, through masks, the prestige lost by the abandonment of activities related to war and hunting."
****
Excerpt #2
From http://www.clas.ufl.edu/jur/200003/papers/paper_azoubel.html
Journal of Undergraduate Research University Of Florida
Volume 1, Issue 6 - March 2000; Juliana Azoubel; "The Cote d'Ivoire Mask Tradition from the Viewpoint of Dance Ethnology: Dancing the Gap between Spirit and Human Worlds
"The Cote d'Ivoire (the Ivory Coast) is the origin of several of the most important and interesting masking traditions in Africa. In the West, these masks have been viewed primarily as art objects. Through their embodiment in dance, however, masks are the way many Ivorians communicate with supernatural forces and bring power to the community...
[...]
THE ZAOULI MASK AND HER FLIRTATIOUS SISTER FLALI
According to the Guros, the masks that did not originate from the animal spirits are entertainment masks, and among them are Sauli (Zaouli), Flali and Wali. The essential dance activity for the Zaouli mask is rapid-fire movement of the feet. Dictated by the rhythm of the drums for both the Zaouli figure and the head movements of the forest dancers, this dance is high speed and very dynamic (Poynor). "Saouli masks are topped by multi-figured compositions, the subjects of which often have nothing to do with the dance itself. The purpose of the superstructure seems to be to introduce an element of surprise into the entertainment and to increase its attractiveness"(Poynor 173)...
Zaouli is female yet the Zaouli performer is always male. The cross-gender mask performs on many different occasions to amuse people: during holidays, for entertainment of visitors to the community, to collect food from the community members during the initiation process, and also in some funeral ceremonies. Zaouli has a young sister called Flali. This mask, also performed exclusively by men, shares many characteristics of Zaouli, including the actual mask. It is entirely the dance activity that distinguishes Flali from her sister, Zaouli. Flali shows more charm and flirting in her performance. She uses a high proportion of upper back articulation in her dance, contrasting the forceful footwork-based that characterizes Zaouli. The performance of Flali is a deep play on movement characteristics of a woman and the dance becomes exaggeratedly feminine and more delicate than a female dancer's, and of Zaouli's for that matter."...
****
Excerpt #3
From https://thekidshouldseethis.com/post/zaouli-de-manfla-the-zaouli-dance-of-the-ivory-coast-west-africa
"Zaouli de Manfla, a mask dance from the Gouro or Kweni culture, filmed by African dance teacher Konan Kouakou David in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa. Of the tradition, he writes:
Zaouli is a popular mask dance created by Gouros in the fifties. Legends at the origin of the Zaouli mask and dance are diverse, but all say that they were inspired by a very beautiful girl named “Djela Lou Zaouli”, daugther of Zaouli...
Each Gouro village has its local Zaouli dancer, who performs during funerals or parties. A musicians and singers orchestra first call the Zaouli dancer by its music. The dancer wearing the mask covered by a cloth then arrives after a predecessor who unveils the mask. After the beauty of the mask has been shown to the audience, the dancer performs extremely quick and rhythmical steps according to the flutes of the orchestra. Hands and feet follow a common choreography improvised by the dancer according to the music."
****
Excerpt #4:
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zaouli
"Zaouli is a traditional dance of the Guro people (who speak the Guro language) of central Ivory Coast. The Zaouli mask, used in the dance, was created in the 1950s, reportedly inspired by a girl named "Djela Lou Zaouli"[1] (meaning "Zaouli, daughter of Djela").[2] However, stories on the origins of the mask are varied, and each mask can have its own symbolic history.[3]
Each Guro village has a local Zaouli dancer (always male), performing during funerals and celebrations.[1] The dance is believed to increase the productivity of a village that it is performed in, and is seen as tool of unity for the Guro community, and by extension the whole country.
In popular culture
The Sri Lankan-English rapper M.I.A. included a clip of a Zaouli dance in her video "Matahdatah Scroll 01: Broader Than A Border".
****
Excerpt #5:
From https://www.cnn.com/2016/10/11/africa/zaouli-mask-dance/index.html Possession obsession: What happens when you don the Zaouli mask
By Earl Nurse and Thomas Page, for CNN Updated 4:41 AM ET, Tue October 11, 2016
..."Donning a Zaouli mask has a profound effect on its wearer. The process is taken seriously and filming it is prohibited. Only the initiated are permitted to bear witness -- and women are strictly forbidden.
"The bearer changes," Anoh explains, "the spirits take control of him. He is separated from all that happens around him... Once he will put the mask on, it will not be him again that will be dancing, but the spirit that will possess his body.
[...]
In Ivory Coast, people consulted masks when danger was coming, the chief explains. Some masks protect villages, some counter bad spalls; others are used to rejoice.
Each Zaouli mask can take as long as six days to carve. Made of Yaranza wood, the process is secretive, each artisan using their own approach. Ouagene Coulibaly, president of the Association of the Village Artisans of Bassam, will show CNN his work in progress, but refuses to divulge how he finishes his unique and sacred works.
When it happens the dance is fast and furious, the masked man churning up dust beneath his feet. Provoked to keep up the pace by his dance partner, it's a superhuman effort guided by the spirits.”...
****
Excerpt #6:
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgbmeB5HJrs ZAOULI au funeraille de IRIE_DOBO à Bédiala, published by som2bedi on Aug 21, 2012
[selected comments]
1. Baba Basen, April 2018
"and you play this when someone dies? (herd it somewhere)"
**
REPLY
2. bi tra dieudonné, June 2018
"No sometimes in ceremonies of baptism, wedding ceremony and even in front of authorities. So no only if someone dies. Am gouro and am proud of being it"
-snip-
Given the sentence before it, I believe that this commenter meant “So [this dance is not only [performed] if someone dies”.
****
Excerpt #7:
From https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5893219718076521675#overview Mask collective + Festima - Zaouli de la Côte d'Ivoire, published by Mask Collective on Mar 16, 2014
[selected comments]
1. senhuan, 2015
"What's the guy doing behind the masked dancer? Is he there for a purpose? Or just happened to want to be there?"
**
2. REPLY
cabrioletcook1, 2017
"He’s narrating the story of the dance"
**
3. Merveil Meok, 2016
"Translation:
First man: Our dance is called the Zaouli (pronounced "za-U-lee"). We are from the Ivory Coast, precisely from a town called Bouaflé (pronounced "bwa-flay").
Once upon a time, the dance originated with farmers who gathered at night to dance after a long day of work in the fields. The dance is named after the daughter of its creator. She was called Djella Lou Zaouli (pronounced "jay-lah lou za-u-lee"), which means (Djella daughter of Zaouli).
------
Second man: The Zaouli is international because the dance has now been shown around the world. In the Ivory Coast, all the best dancers are looked at and only one is chosen to be the best among the best. This dancer here was named the best."
****
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Monday, May 22, 2017
English Translations For Non-English Words In Alpha Blondy's Reggae Song "Jerusalem"
Alpha Blondy, June 19, 2020 [first recorded in 1986]
****
Edited by Azizi Powell
This pancocojams post showcases the Reggae song "Jerusalem" by Alpha Blondy.
Information about Alpha Blondy is also included in this post along with video, song lyrics, and English translations of the non-English words in his 1986 song "Jerusalem".
The content of this post is presented for religious, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Alpha Blondy for his musical legacy. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publishers of these examples on YouTube examples.
****
INFORMATION ABOUT ALPHA BLONDY
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha_Blondy
Alpha Blondy (born Seydou Koné; 1 January 1953 in Dimbokro,[1] Ivory Coast) is a reggae singer and international recording artist. Many of his songs are politically and socially motivated, and are mainly sung in his native language of Dioula, French and in English, though he occasionally uses other languages, for example, Arabic or Hebrew.
Childhood
First son of a family of eight children, Seydou Koné was raised by his grandmother, growing up in what he described as "among elders", which later was to have a big impact on his career. In 1962, Alpha Blondy went to join his father in Odienné, where he spent ten years, attended Sainte Elisabeth High School, and was involved in the Ivory Coast students movement. He formed a band in high school, but this hobby affected his schooling and he was expelled due to poor attendance. His parents sent him to study English in Monrovia, the capital city of neighboring country Liberia in 1973. He spent thirteen months there and moved to the United States to improve his English.[2]
College in the USA
In 1974, Seydou moved to New York where he majored in English at Hunter College, and later in the Columbia University American Language Program because he wanted to be a teacher. In New York he met Rastafarians for the first time, and was also able to see concerts by Jamaican artists such as Burning Spear. Seydou was involved in multiple altercations in New York and returned to the Ivory Coast, where he got into even more trouble until he met up with one of his childhood friends, Fulgence Kassi, who had become a noted television producer. This was the beginning of his real career as a musician, and he began to use the name "Alpha Blondy".[3]
Musical career
After various TV shows for Kassi, Blondy recorded his first solo album in 1982, entitled Jah Glory. This album was to have enormous success and would become later a symbol of resistance because of the song "Brigadier Sabari," which documents his experience of being arrested in Abidjan in the 1980s and his subsequent mistreatment by the police.[4] Alpha Blondy became a big star in Abidjan with his African twist of Reggae music, becoming in the eyes of his fans "the Bob Marley of Africa".[5] Alpha Blondy is spiritual, political and positive just like Marley himself, and recorded a cover of Bob Marley's song "War". In order to reach more people with his message, he chose to sing in many languages: English; French; Baoulé, and his native language – Dioula.[5] Later, he also brought new instrumentation to his brand of reggae such as the violin and cello."...
****
SONG LYRICS: ALPHA BLONDY - JERUSALEM
[Intro]
Baroukh ata Adonai
(Baroukh ata Adonai)
Baroukh haba yeroushalaim
(Baroukh haba yeroushalaim)
Baroukh ata Adonai
(Baroukh ata Adonai)
Baroukh haba yeroushalaim
(Baroukh haba yeroushalaim)
[Pont]
From the Bible to the Coran
Revelation in Jerusalem
Shalom Salam Alekoum
You can see christians, Jews, and muslims
Living together and praying Amen
Let's gives thanks and praises
[Refrain]
Barouh ata Adonai
Barouh haba yeroushalaim
Barouh ata Adonai
Barouh haba yeroushalaim
Jerusalem here i am
Jérusalem je t'aime
Jerusalem here i am
Jérusalem je t'aime
[Couplet 1]
Israela yakirati
Israela yakirati
Ani ohev otach
Israela yakirati
Israela yakirati
Israela yakirati
Israela yakirati
Ani ohev otach
Israela yakirati
[Pont]
From the Bible to the Coran
Revelation time
Shalom salamalekoum
You can see christians, Jews, and muslims
Living together and praying Amen
Let's gives thanks and praises
[Refrain]
Baroukh ata Adonaï
Barouh haba Yeroushalaim
Barouh ata Adonaï
Barouh haba Yeroushalaim
Jerusalem here I am
Jérusalem je t'aime
Jerusalem here I am
Jérusalem je t'aime
Israela yakirati
Israela yakirati
Ani ohev otach
Israela yakirati
Israela yakirati
Ani ohev otach
Israela yakirati
Israela yakirati
Israela yakirati
Israela yakirati
Ani ohev otach
Israela yakirati
[Pont]
From the Bible to the Coran
Revelation time
Shalom salamalekoum
You can see christians, Jews, and muslims
Living together and praying Amen
Let's gives thanks and praises
[Refrain]
Baroukh ata Adonaï
Barouh haba Yeroushalaim
Barouh ata Adonaï
Barouh haba Yeroushalaim
Jerusalem here I am
Jérusalem je t'aime
Jerusalem here I am
Jérusalem je t'aime
Israela yakirati
Israela yakirati
Ani ohev otach
Israela yakirati
[Couplet 2]
Israela yakirati
Israela yakirati
Israela yakirati
Ani ohev otach
Israela yakirati
Jerusalem here I am
Jérusalem je t'aime
Jerusalem here I am
Jérusalem je t'aime
https://genius.com/Alpha-blondy-jerusalem-lyrics
Israela yakirati
Israela yakirati
Israela yakirati
Ani ohev otach
Israela yakirati
Jerusalem here I am
Jérusalem je t'aime
Jerusalem here I am
Jérusalem je t'aime
https://genius.com/Alpha-blondy-jerusalem-lyrics
****
ALPHA BLONDY -JERUSALEM (in English translation, except for the place name "Jerusalem" and the Hebrew word "amen"; The words in brackets are unspoken, but I believe those words complete those particular lyrics)
Blessed are You, Lord.
Blessed is the one who comes [to] Jerusalem.
Blessing are You, Lord.
Blessed is the one who comes [to] Jerusalem.
From the Bible to the Koran, [it is said that]
Revelation [occurs] in Jerusalem
Peace, Peace be unto you.
You can see Christians, Jews, and Muslims [in Jerusalem]
Living together and praying amen.
Let's gives thanks and praises.
Blessed are You, Lord.
Blessed is the one who comes [to] Jerusalem.
Blessing are You Lord.
Blessed is the one who comes [to] Jerusalem.
Jerusalem, here I am.
Jerusalem, I love you.
Jerusalem, here I am.
Jerusalem, I love you.
Dear Israel,
Dear Israel,
Dear Israel,
I love you
Dear Israel.
Dear Israel,
Dear Israel,
Dear Israel,
I love you
Dear Israel.
From the Bible to the Koran [it is said that it is]
Revelation time.
Peace, Peace be unto you.
You can see Christians, Jews, and Muslims
Living together and praying "Amen".
Let's gives thanks and praises.
Dear Israel,
Dear Israel,
Dear Israel,
I love you,
Dear Israel.
Dear Israel,
Dear Israel,
Dear Israel,
I love you,
Dear Israel.
Jerusalem, here I am.
Jerusalem, I love you.
Jerusalem, here I am.
Jerusalem, I love you.
-snip-
I think that the line "Blessed is the one who comes [to] Jerusalem" means "Anyone who comes to Jerusalem is blessed." (i.e. any visitor, and person who moves to Jerusalem). But, at the same time, "the one who comes to Jerusalem" may also be a referent for Jesus.
These translations to English are from the source material given in the next section. Additions, corrections, and comments are welcome.
****
ENGLISH MEANINGS FOR NON- ENGLISH WORDS IN ALPHA BLONDY'S SONG "JERUSALEM"
From http://sci.lang.narkive.com/myPdGOOJ/song-lyrics-in-hebrew
[discussion] song lyrics in Hebrew, posted by Raymond Roy, 2004
"Hello all semiticists,
The Ivorian reggae singer Alpha Blondy sings a song called 'Jerusalem',
with lyrics in French, Arabic and Hebrew.
Could someone translate the Hebrew parts for me? ...
Response posted by Peter Daniels, 2004
..."Baruch ata Adonai (blessed are you, Lord)
...
BAROUH ABA YÉROUSHALAIM.
(maybe) Baruch ha-ba' Yerushalaim (blessed is the one who comes,
Jerusalem)
...
SHALOM SALAMALEKOUM.
Heb [Hebrew] (peace) Ar [Arabic] (peace be unto you)"...
****
"Barouh atat adonai" (Barukh ata Adonai)
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Jewish_prayers_and_blessings
".... Most [Hebrew] prayers and blessings can be found in the Siddur, or prayer book. This article addresses Jewish liturgical blessings, which generally begin with the formula: ברוך אתה ה' אלהינו, מלך העולם...
Transliteration: Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu, melekh ha`olam...
Translation: "Blessed are You, LORD our God, King of the universe..."
****
"Israela yakirati"
From https://mymemory.translated.net/en/Hebrew/English/israela-yakirati
"yakirati = Querida"
-snip-
Google translate Spanish to English = "Dear"]
ani ohev otach Israel yakirati = Te Amo Querida Israel
-snip-
Google translate Spanish to English = "I love you dear Israel"
****
"Ani ohev otarh"
from http://www.wikihow.com/Say-Love-in-Hebrew
Learn the words for love in Hebrew:
"The noun "love" in Hebrew is ahavah, pronounced ah-hah-vah.
The verb "to love" is something different. It changes depending on your gender, and if you are saying "I love you" it changes depending on the gender of the person you are speaking to.
For a female to say "I love" it would be Ani Ohev et (ah-nee oh-hev-et)
For a male to say "I love" it would be Ani Ohev (ah-nee oh-hev)"
****
"Jerusalem je t'aime" - [French] Jerusalem I love you
****
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