Tiktok Roger, May 7, 2022
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This is Part II of a three part pancocojams series on Nigerian singers Kizz Daniel, featuring Tekno's 2022 song and video "Buga".
This post showcases a video of a TikTok Buga dance challenge and presents information & comments about the origin and meanings of the word 'buga".in Nigeria.
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2022/07/nigerian-hit-song-buga-by-kizz-daniel.html for Part I of this pancocojams series on Kizz Daniel, featuring Tekno's song and video "Buga". showcases the official YouTube video for "Buga" and includes the lyrics to that song. That song is sung in Yoruba, Nigerian Pidgin English, and American English (including African American Vernacular English).
That post also includes some information about Kizz Daniel &Tekno and a few general comments from that video's discussion thread.
The content of this post is presented for cultural, linguistic, and entertainment purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Kizz Daniel, Tekno, and all those who are associated with the "Buga" song and its official YouTube video. Thanks also to those dancers who are featured in the video that is showcased in this post and thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.
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A BRIEF ANSWER FOR WHEN & HOW THE YORUBA WORD "BUGA" BECAME THE NAME OF A WORLDWIDE SOCIAL DANCE
"Buga" is a verb word in the Yoruba language of Nigeria, West Africa that means "to show off"/ to unapologetically flaunt yourself and/or your accomplishments.
On May 3, 2022 the song entitled "Buga" was released by Nigerian Afrobeats singers Kizz Daniel and Tekno. https://genius.com/Kizz-daniel-buga-lyrics
On May 7, 2022 the first TikTok dance challenge of Kizz Daniel and Tekhno's song "Buga" was published. https://www.tiktok.com/discover/buga-dance-challenge-original
Since that date, numerous TikTok dance challenges of that song have been published along with multiple YouTube freestyle "Buga" dance videos as well as multiple of YouTube vlogs and videos about that song.
On June 22, 2022 the official YouTube video Kizz Daniel and Tekhno's song "Buga" was published. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLF90M96m2Q
Numerous other YouTube videos of Kizz Daniel and Tekno's song "Buga" have subsequently been published. The TikTok videos and YouTube videos of that song have expanded the meaning of the Yoruba word "buga" to include a verb meaning "to perform a freestyle social dance to Kizz Daniel featuring Tekno's song "Buga". That dance features fast footwork, and usually has other specific movements, including stiffly holding one's arms out at a certain point in that "Buga" song. As a result of Kizz Daniel and Tekno's song, "Buga" is not only a verb (with the two meanings as given above), but also a noun that refers to that song and/or that dance.
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WHAT PART OF SPEECH IS THE YORUBA WORD "BUGA"?
Here's a comment from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGGJu5i9DKk "Kizz Daniel ft Tekno-Buga official video reaction. Cameroonians excited as Sabinus Caries Their Flag" published by Ajim Maczy. June 23, 2022
(That comment refers to the carnival theme of Kizz Daniel, feauring Tekno's official YouTube video for "Buga":)
Sanni Olumide, June 2022
"The music video get 1.5 million views less than 24hrs GOD bless Nigeria. The video is a Nigeria Buga won carnival to the world".
-end of quote-
One definition that I read online for the Yoruba word "buga" is "to unapologetically flaunt yourself as well as your success and achievements" .
"Nigeria Buga won" means that Nigeria can "show off" ["make Shakara" to use another Yoruba word] because that country (or in this case Kizz Daniel, Tekno, & the other Nigerians associated with that song/video) put in the hard work that was needed to achieve success.
"Carnival to the world" is a version of "___ to the world". This is a widely used saying in YouTube contemporary African music/dance discussion threads since at least around 2019. One example of that saying is "Nigeria to the world" meaning "Nigeria's music deserves to be known, supported, and celebrated throughout the entire world."
According to the definition of that word given above, the Yoruba word "buga" is a verb (an action word). However, as a result of Kizz Daniel featuring Tekno's song with that title, the definition for "buga" has changed to mean " to do certain dance moves" (particularly to do the stiff upright shoulder pose that is now associated with that dance on TikTok and elsewhere.)
Here's an example of a past tense form of the "dance definition" of "buga":
Precoded Child, July 2022 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLF90M96m2Q
"How are you sure our ancestors haven't bugad to this jam already. They will still honour our invitation".
-end of quote=
However, the Yoruba word "Buga" could be a noun when it refers to Kizz Daniel/Tekno's song & official YouTube video and when it refers to other videos such as the numerous Buga Tik Tok dance challenge compilations,
Here's an example of "buga" being used as a noun from the discussion thread for https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLF90M96m2Q
Sola Charles, July
"BUGA is more than just a song, it's a movement. Nigeria, Africa to the world!"
-end of quote-
The Yoruba word "buga" is also a noun and not a verb in sayings such as "buga won" and "buga to the world".
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THE CORRECT WAY TO PRONOUNCE THE YORUBA WORD "BUGA"
Here's an excerpt from a reply that I received from YouTube vlogger Mr Xpression* about the correct way to pronounce the Yoruba word "buga":
"The correct way of pronouncing buga is "Boo-GAH". Like you rightly suggested, more emphasis is placed on the second syllable during enunciation." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVHj7urXwVE
Read the excerpted July 17, 2022 comment exchange between Mr Xpression and me in the next section of this post. I believe Mr. Xpression is Nigerian, but I haven't found that information in that particular vlog episode.
I wondered about the pronunciation of the word "buga" because I read this comment in one of the YouTube discussion threads whose title I didn't retrieve:
Adeyemi Bakare, July 2022
"πππππ it’s funny how you pronounce “Buga” we will love to see Indians dance to Nigerian songs.
-snip-
The usual emphasis pattern that words in American English follow is that the first syllable of two syllable words is emphasized. That is probably why Americans and some people who aren't Nigerian pronounce "buga" as "BOO-gah".
I'm interested in "hearing" about the pronunication of "buga" from other people, and particularly from Nigerians. How do you pronounce "buga"?
ONLINE EXCERPTS ABOUT THE YORUBA WORD "BUGA"
These excerpts are presented in no particular order and are numbered for referencing purposes only.
EXCERPT #1
From https://rnn.ng/what-is-buga-the-slang-trending-in-nigeria/What Is Buga, The Slang Trending In Nigeria?, published by Babs Ayandayo, May 24, 2022
…"What Is Buga In English?
Buga means to proudly display oneself, as well as one’s
success and accomplishments. It’s a Yoruba phrase.
Kizz Daniel and Tekno employ Buga in the context of its English meaning to convey that individuals work hard for their money and should be proud to flaunt their efforts.
[…]
Why Is Buga Trending In Nigeria
Remember that the song is unquestionably one of the most
popular in the country right now. It is now the number one song on Apple
Music’s Top 100 Chart in Nigeria, as well as one of the top five Afrobeats
songs in the world."...
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EXCERPT #2
[Pancocojams Editor's Note: I wrote this comment to the host of this vlog which provides English translations of Nigerian songs. He responded to me the same day.]
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVHj7urXwVE
Kizz Daniel ft Tekno - Buga (Lyrics + Translation)
Mr Xpression, May 7, 2022
1. Azizi Powell, July 17, 2022
"Mr Xpression, thanks for this translation. I love how you
explain the meaning of songs so that people worldwide can understand what is
being sung.
I'm African American and subscribed to your channel months ago. I have hit like for your videos, but I believe this is my first time commenting.
Actually, I have four questions.
What is the correct way of pronouncing the word buga?. It seems that you are emphasizing the second syllable Boo-GAH and not the first BOO-gah as I've heard some other vloggers who may not be African do.
Also, is buga a new Pidgin English word or is it a new (or old?) slang word in the Yoruba language?
And was the buga dance newly created for this song? If so, is the movement where the shoulders are held up to express pride from a traditional Nigerian dance or dances?
Thanks in advance for your responses to these questions. Unfortunately, I don't know any Nigerians I can ask these questions to outside of the internet.
Keep on keeping on!"
**
Reply
2. Mr Xpression, July 17, 2022
"Hello Powell! Thanks for supporting my channel. It means a
lot to me.
Now, let me answer your questions.
1) The correct way of pronouncing buga is "Boo-GAH". Like you rightly suggested, more emphasis is placed on the second syllable during enunciation.
2) Buga is an old slang in the Yoruba language. In fact, it is used more by older folks than younger people.
3) Yes, the Buga dance was created for the song. It just symbolizes what's being said in the song; "let me see you go low.. then Buga"
4) Well, there are some other Nigerian dances that require a person to raise their shoulders. For instance, the song "Zazu Zeh" by Nigerian artiste, Portable, promotes this kind of dance.
I hope this helps."
-snip-
After reading Mr Xpression's comment, I thanked him for his prompt response and shared with him that I planned to publish this post on the word "buga". I will add a link to this post in a second reply to his latest comment to me.
Here's the link to the Portable video that Mr Xpression mentioned in his comment (Throughout that vido certain dancers do the stiff shoulder movement that probably would now be called the "buga" post) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuaLkwaTMEc
Portable x Poco Lee Ft. Olamide - ZaZoo Zehh [Official
Video]
Portable, Dec 26, 2021
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EXCERPT #3
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9tmcdWsdUM Kizz Daniel - BUGA Ft Tekno || TikTok Challengeπ(THE
BEST), published by AJR24, May 12, 2022
These are the most creative TikTokers on the Buga Challenge. This
collection sums up all the creative junkies who have use Kizz Daniel's 'Buga'
to either create a story line, dance, make transitions etc. ENJOYπ
1. regina opoku, June 2022
"I wonder what is the meaning of buga ?"
**
Reply
2. Blessing Adebisi, June 2022
"BUGA means ,either to Show off or Make Shakara π―π"
-snip-
"Make Shakara" has a very similar meaning as "buga". Here's a definition from
https://peegin.com/shakara
"shakara
Meaning
Means Pride, to be haughty, insolent, self conceited,
Example
Twitter girls shakara no be here mehn.
Synonyms: ["arrogance", " insolent",
" saucy"]
Origin: Yoruba word"
By bonfrere jo September 1, 2016
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EXCERPT #4
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLF90M96m2Q Kizz Daniel, Tekno - Buga (Official Video), published by Kizz Daniel,, Jun 22, 2022
1. πππππππ
πππππ, June 2022
"Where my Africans at.!!! #Buga to the World.!!π¬ππ³π¬π"
**
2. Lucky Omo, July 2022
"Buga. Not yoruba word.
This. Speaking rubbish. Buga. Is. Slang word. In. South Nigeria. Boy used
in party. Or. In. The city. When. U. Are. In. A.
Good. Mode. Looking sexy. In. A. Good. Dress. Looking different from other people"
**
Reply
3. Godwin Ejiofor, July 2022
"@Lucky Omo Buga is a Yoruba language I am an igbo and I
know I can speak Yoruba very well it is a Yoruba language stop arguing blindly"
**
Reply
4. SL, July 2022
"@Lucky Omo you dey craze. Buga is absolutely a Yoruba
word. It's a combination of 2 words. BU+IGA. BU means to carry. GA means high/tall/up.
You can find it in the word OGA=Boss/higher up. Buga means carry shoulders to
lift your body, like they did in this video ,
similar to carrying your chest to tout. The act became slang for
flexing."
**
Reply
5. Lucky Omo, July 2022
"@SL u. Are big. Fool. When do. Buga. Become yoruba language. U. Not. Go. School."
**
Reply
6. SL, July 2022
"@Lucky Omo If you don't speak the language just say it,
and if you do, you are an embarrassment. So you've never heard the word Gbega
and Buga before? You've never heard an older Yoruba person say 'Se mi ni o buga
si? Meaning am I the one you are flexing your shoulder chest to? People do that
when they want to fight like chickens do. Maybe you are too young. Buga/Gbega,
Buya/gbeaya are 2 words Yoruba people use to describe the move they are making.
Both are short for 'gbe ara ga' or 'Bu ara ga'. Meaning lift your body proudly
and arrogantly."
**
Reply
7. SL, July 2022
"@Lucky Omo You need to learn the difference between the
origin of a word, and the slang it's become."
**
Reply
8. Umar Giade, July 2022
"Buga was originally derived from the Hausa word 'Burga',
with the same meaning. Years of coexistence has saturated various Nigerian
languages"
**
9. Robert Odihi, July 2022
..."While the word is apparently a slang that emanated from
among the Yoruba speaking people of Nigeria, I can assure you that it doesn't
feature in any official Yoruba dictionary. Buga is just like "Gobe"
another slang that Yoruba people like to use a lot. You also wouldn't find that
in any Yoruba dictionary."
**
10. Nolimit T, 2022
"The meaning of BUGA. This is the new Shakara."
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EXCERPT #5
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xWOYWdE9GE "Buga Reaction | Kizz Daniel, Tekno", published by Beni Dhru, June 23, 2022
1. Meena277, June 2022
"Lovely reaction ladies. The languages used are English,
Nigerian Pidgin English and Yoruba. Buga literally means ‘raise your shoulder
in confidence/pride’. The song is generally reminding people to hustle and make
sure they remember to collect their money (get paid). And when you get paid
remember to jaiye jaiye(enjoy/party) with your shoulders up(Buga)."
**
2. Wilson, July 2022
"Bugga means be proud, take pride in your achievement.
Usually symbolized by clinching your fists and raising your shoulders like you
are about to lift a heavy weight.
It is a slang that originated from the Yoruba language and
is mostly used in Yoruba-speaking regions of Nigeria like Lagos."
**
3. Neema Jamani, July 2022
"Buga is slang that means "Brag" or
"Flaunt" or "Stand out" or "Be proud".
The song encourages one to wake up, be serious with their
source of livelihood and go make their money! Don't worry about "mad
people" who would unnecessarily hate you for nothing. Be serious, make
your money and "brag on" or be proud of yourself!"
**
4. KΓ nmi Oα»̀lα»̀, July 2022
"Buga is a street slang for 'show off" which is achieved
by lifting your shoulders and tipping on your toes up at d same time. So buga
literally means show-off, show them, show up. This u do when u feel
accomplished. The language of d song is pidgin English a west African mode of
communication similar to Jamaican patois."
**
5. Oluwafemi Lebi, July 2022
"The Buga song is a blend of English, pidgin and Yoruba
language. Most Nigeria songs takes this pattern, blend of English/pidgin/Yoruba
or Igbo or Hausa depending on ethnicity of the artist so most good songs gain
acceptance because of the blend"
This concludes Part II of this three part pancocojams series.
Visitor comments are welcome.
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