Edited by Azizi Powell
This pancocojams post showcases a clip from a Sesame Street "Elmo's World" episode.
In that episode Elmo performs an African dance in celebration of the African American originated "Kwanzaa" holiday. Special attention in this post is given to the African musical bow that is among the musical instruments that is played by the musical ensemble. The Brazilian (South America) berimbao that is based on African musical bows is probably the most widely known example worldwide of these types of musical instruments.
Addendum #1 to this post provides information about Kwanzaa.
Addendum #2 provides information about African musical bows and Brazilian (South American) berimbaos.
The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those associated with this "Elmo's World" episode. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO: Sesame Street: Kwanzaa Dancing With Elmo
Sesame Street, Uploaded on Dec 11, 2009
From the Sesame Street DVD "Elmo's World: Happy Holidays"
-snip-
While performing "African dances" is often part of Kwanzaa celebrations, in my experience, those dances that are usually performed are representative or imitative of traditional Nigerian or Senegalese dance styles. Based on the inclusion of the musical bow instrument and the dancer's clothing and maybe also his head gear, my guess is that the dance that is performed in this video is based on Angola (South Central Africa). In my experience, few African Americans are familiar with the costuming and musical bow instrument that are found in this video.
Here's one video example of an Angolan musical bow:
Roots of Capoeira 1, Balthazar Tchatoka plays M'bulumbumba and sings to Cobra Mansa
mirrordemocracy, Published on Dec 13, 2012
Balthazar Tchatoka plays M'bulumbumba and sings "Ove Katunga" to Cobra Mansa in southern Angola .....of interest to Berimbau players.
-snip-
Notice the criss-crossed beads that are traditionally worn by male musicians and dancers in Angola and other South African nations.
****
ADDENDUM #1
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwanzaa
"Kwanzaa (/ˈkwɑːn.zə/) is a week-long celebration held in the United States and in other nations of the Western African diaspora in the Americas. The celebration honors African heritage in African-American culture, and is observed from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a feast and gift-giving.[1] Kwanzaa has seven core principles (Nguzo Saba). It was created by Maulana Karenga and was first celebrated in 1966–67...
In 2004, BIG Research conducted a marketing survey in the United States for the National Retail Foundation, which found that 1.6% of those surveyed planned to celebrate Kwanzaa. If generalized to the US population as a whole, this would imply that around 4.7 million people planned to celebrate Kwanzaa in that year...
According to University of Minnesota Professor Keith Mayes, the author of Kwanzaa: Black Power and the Making of the African-American Holiday Tradition, the popularity within the US has "leveled off" as the black power movement there has declined, and now between half and two million people celebrate Kwanzaa in the US, or between one and five percent of African Americans. Mayes adds that white institutions now celebrate it.[11]
The holiday has also spread to Canada and is celebrated by Black Canadians in a similar fashion as in the United States.[20] According to the Language Portal of Canada, "this fairly new tradition has [also] gained in popularity in France, Great Britain, Jamaica and Brazil".[24]
In Brazil, in recent years the term Kwanzaa has been applied by a few institutions as a synonym for the festivities of the Black Awareness Day, commemorated on November 20 in honor of Zumbi dos Palmares,[25][26] having little to do with the celebration as it was originally conceived."...
****
ADDENDUM #2 AFRICAN MUSICAL BOWS
From http://music.africamuseum.be/determination/english/instruments/musical%20bow.html
A larger version of the mouth bow is the musical bow, which is also widely distributed around the Congo. The basis of this instrument is the hunting bow, which has here been converted into a musical instrument by adding two adaptations: a calabash attached to the bow serves as a sound box and the strings are pulled through a loop, tied and attached, dividing them into two unequal parts so that two underlying tones can be played. By moving the loop, the distance between the two tones can be changed at will. Both segments of the string are struck with a thin rod. More experienced players can control the back of the string with the index finger, enabling a third undertone to be played. The calabash is half open and in the convex upper side is a small hole through which the loop runs that is attached to the string. This direct contact with the string results in greater resonance. A piece of cloth is often inserted between the calabash and the bow to reduce unwanted vibrations. The musician can change the timbre of the instrument by pushing the half-open calabash against or away from his chest or stomach. An important difference with the mouth bow is that it is played vertically.
The musical bow too is played primarily to add music to everyday stories and events.
Type: musical bow open string
[Various African nations with their names for musical bows given in parenthesis]
Angola (Chihumba)
Congo DRC (Lunzenze, Nguem)
Gabon (Ngwomi (Tsambi), Nsambi)
Ghana (Jinjelin, Jinjeram)
Liberia (Gbon-kpala)
Madagascar (Dzeedzu, Jejolava)
Swaziland (Ligubu)
Folk republic of the Congo (Ngwomi, Nsambi, Nsâmbi, Nsambi kizonzolo)
Zambia (Kalumbo)
Zimbabwe (Kalumbo)
South Africa (Hadi, Isigankuri, Ugubu (ugubhu))
Type: braced musical bow
Angola (Mbulumbumba)
Bénin (Tiéporé)
Burundi (Idono, Igubu (igobore), Umuduri)
Central African Republic (E.ngbiti, Mbela)
Congo DRC (Ekibulenge, Lakwemi, Lokombi (Longombe), Longombe, Longombi, Lungungu, Nzenze, Rukung, Umuduri)
Rwanda (Umuduri (umunahi)
Swaziland (Makhweyane, Makweyana)
Uganda (Egobore, Umunahi)
South Africa (Makhweyana)
****
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berimbau
From The berimbau (/bərɪmˈbaʊ/; Brazilian Portuguese: /beɾĩˈbaw/) is a single-string percussion instrument, a musical bow, from Brazil. Originally from Africa where it receives different names,[1] the berimbau was eventually incorporated into the practice of the Afro-Brazilian martial art capoeira, the berimbau (the soul of capoeira) leads the capoeiristas movement in the roda—the faster the berimbau is playing the faster the capoeirista moves in the game...
History
The berimbau's origins have not been fully researched, though it is most likely an adaptation of African gourde musical bows, as no Indigenous Brazilian or European people use musical bows.[1][2]
The way the berimbau and the m'bulumbumba of southwest Angola are made and played are very similar, as well as the tuning and basic patterns performed on these instruments. The assimilation of this African instrument into the Brazilian capoeira is evident also in other Bantu terms used for musical bows in Brazilian, including urucungo, and madimba lungungu.
-snip-
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/04/paranaue-videos-lyrics-meaning.html for a pancocojams post of the Capoeira song "Paranue" for examples of berimbao music.
****
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Visitor comments are welcome.
Showing posts with label African dancing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label African dancing. Show all posts
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
The Origins & Meanings Of "Jaffe Joffer" & Other Names From "Coming To America" (with videos)
Edited by Azizi Powell
It's been twenty-five years since the American movie Coming To America was released.
"Coming to America is a 1988 American comedy film directed by John Landis, and based on a story originally created by Eddie Murphy, who also starred in the lead role. The film also co-stars Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones and John Amos. The film was released in the United States on June 29, 1988.
Eddie Murphy plays Prince Akeem Joffer, an African prince who comes to the United States in hopes of finding a woman he can marry." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coming_to_America.
I thought about that movie today because I happened upon this information while doing research for the meaning of the Senegalese name "Coumba":
"Maad a Signig Kumba Ndoffene Famak Joof (variations : Mad a Sinig Kumba Ndoffene Famak Joof, Mad a Sinig Coumba Ndoffène Fa mak Diouf, Coumba N'Doffène Diouf, Coumba N'Doffène Diouf I, Maat Sine Kumba Ndoffene Famak Joof, etc. - c. 1810[1] – 23 August 1871[2]) was the King of Sine in modern-day Senegal. Maad a Sinig (var: Bour Sine or Mad a Sinig) means king of Sine (the Kingdom of Sine). He ruled from 1853 until his death on 23 of August 1871. He was the son of Maad Souka Ndela Joof and Lingeer Gnilane Jogoy Joof. His father - Maad Souka Ndela came from The Royal House of Semou." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maad_a_Sinig_Kumba_Ndoffene_Famak_Joof
-snip-
In the Coming To America movie, the king's name is "Jaffe Joffer". The last name "Joffer" is very similar to the name "Joof". Also, real king's name "Ndoffene" and the real king's mother's name "Jogoy" are pretty close to the name "Jaffe". Furthermore, "Semou", the name of their Royal House, is similar to the name "Zamunda", the name of that fictitious African nation ruled by King Jaffe Joffer. That said, there are other theories the origin of the name "Zamunda". Click http://madamenoire.com/188391/bet-you-didnt-know-secrets-behind-the-making-of-coming-to-america/3/ for an article about the name "Zamunda".
Finding that information about that 19th century Senegalese king made me wonder about the origins and meanings of other names in Coming To America. After looking up information about the names given to central characters in that comedy, I'm convinced that there was at least one person on staff who was well versed in Onomastics (the study of proper names and the origins of names).
Here's a list of the central character's names along with the origin & meanings of those names, along with my comments: [Two videos from Coming To America are given in the Addendum; The summary for Video #2 includes more information about that movie]
Eddie Murphy as Prince Akeem Joffer: The prince of Zamunda. Randy Watson/Saul/Clarence.
http://www.sudairy.com/arabic/masc.html
"Hakim, Hakeem - Wise, one of God's ninety-nine qualities"
**
Akeem is a name of Arabic origin, being a variation of Hakeem, and commonly used in Africa.
-snip-
The use of Arabic influenced names fits my theory that Senegal, West Africa was used as the bases for the fictitious nation of Zamunda as "Islam is practiced by approximately 94 percent of [Senegal's] country's population. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senegal
Arsenio Hall as Semmi: Akeem's friend. Reverend Brown/Morris
I think that "Semmi" is a variant form of] the Arabic male names "Sami" - High, lofty, elevated, "Samih - Forgiver, and/or "Samir, Sameer" - Entertaining companion http://www.sudairy.com/arabic/masc.html
[The meaning of the names "Samir, Sameer" fit the character of Semmi in that movie.]
James Earl Jones as King Jaffe Joffer: Akeem's father and King of Zamunda.
Read my comments above about the 19th century Senegalese King Kumba Ndoffene Famak Joof.
John Amos as Cleo McDowell: Akeem's employer.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleo
"Cleo is a given name that is short for Cleopatra or Cleophalus and an alternate spelling of Clio. It is a Greek prefix often translated to mean 'pride', 'fame' or 'glory'."
**
http://www.ancestry.com/name-origin?surname=mcdowell
"Mcdowell Name Meaning:
Scottish and Irish: Anglicized form of Gaelic Mac Dubhghaill ‘son of Dubhghall’, a byname meaning ‘dark stranger’, used among the Gaels to distinguish the darker-haired Danes from fair-haired Norwegians. According to MacLysaght, this is the Irish form of the name of the Scottish clan McDougall, borne by a branch which went to Ireland from the Hebrides as mercenaries. However, Black shows that both forms were current in Scotland."
-snip-
Of course, the name "McDowell" is very similar to the name Mc Donalds, which is significant to this movie's comedic plot.
Madge Sinclair as Queen Aeoleon: Akeem's mother and the Queen of Zamunda.
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aeolus
"Aeolus... Ancient Greek ... Modern Greek...a name shared by three mythic characters, was the ruler of the winds in Greek mythology."
**
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aeolian_harp
"An Aeolian harp (æolian harp or wind harp) is a musical instrument that is played by the wind. It is named after Aeolus, the ancient Greek god of the wind"
Shari Headley as Lisa McDowell: Cleo's oldest daughter and Akeem's love interest.
http://www.sheknows.com/baby-names/name/lisa
"The name Lisa is a Hebrew baby name. In Hebrew the meaning of the name Lisa is: or Elizabeth, from Elisheba, meaning either oath of God, or God is satisfaction."...
Paul Bates as Oha: A royal servant.
http://babynamesworld.parentsconnect.com/meaning_of_Oha.html
"Oha Meaning: True knowledge; Origin: Sanskrit; Gender: Boy"
Eriq La Salle as Darryl Jenks: Lisa's boyfriend who she eventually breaks up with.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darryl
"Darryl is a name from Old English and Old French origin, generally used for males. Daryl is a name from Old French and the middle English, used in English speaking countries for both females or males (unisex name). Daryl is a common English name.
History
From the English "dar", meaning "a grove of oak trees". Darryl is derived from the English, meaning "region of wild animals", or from the Old French, meaning "dear one, beloved" or "little darling"."
**
http://www.surnamedb.com/Surname/Jenks
"Recorded as Genge, Jank, Janks, Jenk, Jenckes, Jenkes, Jenks, Jinks, Jynkson, Jinkson, and others, this is an English medieval surname, but one arguably of Norman-French origins. It is what is known as a 'back-formation' and was created from the early personal name Jenkin. This may not look like it, but is a diminutive of the given name John. This was also a popular spelling as Jan or Johan, and then Jen, to which was added the diminutive suffix ' -kin'. As such it had the meaning Little John or possibly John son"...
-snip-
"John" = "God is good" [in standard American English] Click http://www.behindthename.com/name/john
for more information.
-snip-
Given the character that Darryl Jenks portrays in the movie, I wonder if Jenks was selected because it was similar to the word "jerk" or "high jinks" (i.e., in the context of the movie both a jerk and someone who isn't really serious about his affections).
Allison Dean as Patrice McDowell: Cleo's daughter and Lisa's younger sister
Patrice">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrice
"Patrice is a given name meaning noble or patrician, related to the names Patrick and Patricia.
In English, Patrice is often a feminine first name. In French it is used as a masculine first name."
Vanessa Bell Calloway as Imani Izzi: Prince Akeem's intended bride, royalty from another African nation
http://www.ask.com/question/what-is-the-meaning-of-the-name-imani
"The name Imani means faith and it has Arabic and African Swahili origins. It is usually given to girls. This name does not have any listed nicknames for the name but it earlier form was Iman."
**
I believe that the last name "Izzi" is a form of the name "Aziz".
"Aziz (Arabic: عزيز, ʿazīz, [ʕaziːz]) originally a Northwest Semitic Syriac/Hebrew/Assyrian Neo-Aramaic word now much more commonly but not exclusively known as an Arabic male name. Aziz in Arabic is derived from the root ʕ-z-z with a meaning of "strong, powerful". It is a cognate of Hebrew oz meaning "might, strength, power". The Semitic word refers to the "power and glory" of deities and kings. Al-Aziz is one of the names of God in Islam, and the word is also used in reference to the "king of Egypt" (pharaoh) in the quranic Surah-e-Yusuf.
But the adjective has acquired a more generic meaning of "dear, darling, precious" in existing Semitic Languages such as Arabic, Assyrian Neo Aramaic, Mandic and Hebrew. Aziz is a common masculine given name, especially in the Muslim world but it has also continued to be used since Pre Islamic and Pre-Arab times by indigenous non-Muslim peoples in the Middle East, e.g. Assyrians, Jews/Israelites the Maronites, Mandeans and Syriacs-Arameans. The feminine form of both the adjective and the given name is Aziza."
-note-
The information for Colonel Izzi (father of Imani), played by Calvin Lockhart is the same as that given above. It's interesting though that the title "Colonel" was used instead of King.
Note: These cast descriptions are from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094898/fullcredits "Coming to America (1988) Full Cast & Crew"
****
ADDENDUM
Here are two videos from that movie:
Video #1: CTA - "African" Tribal Dance
kulaice, Uploaded on Aug 5, 2011
From the movie "Coming to America".
Choreography : Paula Abdul
Choreography Assistants: Cindy Montoya & Aurorah Allain
***After noticing a lot of commentary on the authenticity of the dance not being from Africa I decided to add quotes to the title, "African" to avoid confusion. The film is based on a fictitious story and not the real Africa. :)
-snip-
Click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHd_0B_kQDo for the a video of real dances from South Africa that remind me of the "tribal" dance scene from that American movie. Btw, since the word "tribal" appears only to be used to refer to People of Color, I very much prefer the word "ethnic" instead of "tribal".
****
Video #2: Coming to America (10/10) Movie CLIP - The King Has Entered the Building (1988) HD
movieclips, Uploaded on Oct 9, 2011
Coming to America Movie Clip - watch all clips http://j.mp/zKtXkg
King Jaffe Joffer (James Earl Jones) pays a visit to Akeem's (Eddie Murphy) apartment in Queens, and catches Semmi (Arsenio Hall) off guard.
…
Film Description: Coming to America casts comedian Eddie Murphy as pampered African prince Akeem, who rebels against an arranged marriage and heads to America to find a new bride. Murphy's regal father (James Earl Jones) agrees to allow the prince 40 days to roam the U.S., sending the prince's faithful retainer Semmi (Arsenio Hall) along to make sure nothing untoward happens. To avoid fortune hunters, Prince Akeem conceals his true identity and gets a "Joe job" at a fast-food restaurant. Murphy and Hall play multiple roles, and there are innumerable celebrity cameos peppered throughout the proceedings -- including the Duke Brothers (Don Ameche and Ralph Bellamy) from Trading Places. Coming to America made further headlines when humorist Art Buchwald sued the film's producers for plagiarizing one of his works. Buchwald carried the case to trial, where he won a sizeable judgement against the film's producers.
****
Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.
Hat tip to the producers, writers, actors, and staff involved in Coming To America, including whoever researched the names for these characters. Thanks also to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
It's been twenty-five years since the American movie Coming To America was released.
"Coming to America is a 1988 American comedy film directed by John Landis, and based on a story originally created by Eddie Murphy, who also starred in the lead role. The film also co-stars Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones and John Amos. The film was released in the United States on June 29, 1988.
Eddie Murphy plays Prince Akeem Joffer, an African prince who comes to the United States in hopes of finding a woman he can marry." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coming_to_America.
I thought about that movie today because I happened upon this information while doing research for the meaning of the Senegalese name "Coumba":
"Maad a Signig Kumba Ndoffene Famak Joof (variations : Mad a Sinig Kumba Ndoffene Famak Joof, Mad a Sinig Coumba Ndoffène Fa mak Diouf, Coumba N'Doffène Diouf, Coumba N'Doffène Diouf I, Maat Sine Kumba Ndoffene Famak Joof, etc. - c. 1810[1] – 23 August 1871[2]) was the King of Sine in modern-day Senegal. Maad a Sinig (var: Bour Sine or Mad a Sinig) means king of Sine (the Kingdom of Sine). He ruled from 1853 until his death on 23 of August 1871. He was the son of Maad Souka Ndela Joof and Lingeer Gnilane Jogoy Joof. His father - Maad Souka Ndela came from The Royal House of Semou." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maad_a_Sinig_Kumba_Ndoffene_Famak_Joof
-snip-
In the Coming To America movie, the king's name is "Jaffe Joffer". The last name "Joffer" is very similar to the name "Joof". Also, real king's name "Ndoffene" and the real king's mother's name "Jogoy" are pretty close to the name "Jaffe". Furthermore, "Semou", the name of their Royal House, is similar to the name "Zamunda", the name of that fictitious African nation ruled by King Jaffe Joffer. That said, there are other theories the origin of the name "Zamunda". Click http://madamenoire.com/188391/bet-you-didnt-know-secrets-behind-the-making-of-coming-to-america/3/ for an article about the name "Zamunda".
Finding that information about that 19th century Senegalese king made me wonder about the origins and meanings of other names in Coming To America. After looking up information about the names given to central characters in that comedy, I'm convinced that there was at least one person on staff who was well versed in Onomastics (the study of proper names and the origins of names).
Here's a list of the central character's names along with the origin & meanings of those names, along with my comments: [Two videos from Coming To America are given in the Addendum; The summary for Video #2 includes more information about that movie]
Eddie Murphy as Prince Akeem Joffer: The prince of Zamunda. Randy Watson/Saul/Clarence.
http://www.sudairy.com/arabic/masc.html
"Hakim, Hakeem - Wise, one of God's ninety-nine qualities"
**
Akeem is a name of Arabic origin, being a variation of Hakeem, and commonly used in Africa.
-snip-
The use of Arabic influenced names fits my theory that Senegal, West Africa was used as the bases for the fictitious nation of Zamunda as "Islam is practiced by approximately 94 percent of [Senegal's] country's population. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senegal
Arsenio Hall as Semmi: Akeem's friend. Reverend Brown/Morris
I think that "Semmi" is a variant form of] the Arabic male names "Sami" - High, lofty, elevated, "Samih - Forgiver, and/or "Samir, Sameer" - Entertaining companion http://www.sudairy.com/arabic/masc.html
[The meaning of the names "Samir, Sameer" fit the character of Semmi in that movie.]
James Earl Jones as King Jaffe Joffer: Akeem's father and King of Zamunda.
Read my comments above about the 19th century Senegalese King Kumba Ndoffene Famak Joof.
John Amos as Cleo McDowell: Akeem's employer.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleo
"Cleo is a given name that is short for Cleopatra or Cleophalus and an alternate spelling of Clio. It is a Greek prefix often translated to mean 'pride', 'fame' or 'glory'."
**
http://www.ancestry.com/name-origin?surname=mcdowell
"Mcdowell Name Meaning:
Scottish and Irish: Anglicized form of Gaelic Mac Dubhghaill ‘son of Dubhghall’, a byname meaning ‘dark stranger’, used among the Gaels to distinguish the darker-haired Danes from fair-haired Norwegians. According to MacLysaght, this is the Irish form of the name of the Scottish clan McDougall, borne by a branch which went to Ireland from the Hebrides as mercenaries. However, Black shows that both forms were current in Scotland."
-snip-
Of course, the name "McDowell" is very similar to the name Mc Donalds, which is significant to this movie's comedic plot.
Madge Sinclair as Queen Aeoleon: Akeem's mother and the Queen of Zamunda.
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aeolus
"Aeolus... Ancient Greek ... Modern Greek...a name shared by three mythic characters, was the ruler of the winds in Greek mythology."
**
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aeolian_harp
"An Aeolian harp (æolian harp or wind harp) is a musical instrument that is played by the wind. It is named after Aeolus, the ancient Greek god of the wind"
Shari Headley as Lisa McDowell: Cleo's oldest daughter and Akeem's love interest.
http://www.sheknows.com/baby-names/name/lisa
"The name Lisa is a Hebrew baby name. In Hebrew the meaning of the name Lisa is: or Elizabeth, from Elisheba, meaning either oath of God, or God is satisfaction."...
Paul Bates as Oha: A royal servant.
http://babynamesworld.parentsconnect.com/meaning_of_Oha.html
"Oha Meaning: True knowledge; Origin: Sanskrit; Gender: Boy"
Eriq La Salle as Darryl Jenks: Lisa's boyfriend who she eventually breaks up with.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darryl
"Darryl is a name from Old English and Old French origin, generally used for males. Daryl is a name from Old French and the middle English, used in English speaking countries for both females or males (unisex name). Daryl is a common English name.
History
From the English "dar", meaning "a grove of oak trees". Darryl is derived from the English, meaning "region of wild animals", or from the Old French, meaning "dear one, beloved" or "little darling"."
**
http://www.surnamedb.com/Surname/Jenks
"Recorded as Genge, Jank, Janks, Jenk, Jenckes, Jenkes, Jenks, Jinks, Jynkson, Jinkson, and others, this is an English medieval surname, but one arguably of Norman-French origins. It is what is known as a 'back-formation' and was created from the early personal name Jenkin. This may not look like it, but is a diminutive of the given name John. This was also a popular spelling as Jan or Johan, and then Jen, to which was added the diminutive suffix ' -kin'. As such it had the meaning Little John or possibly John son"...
-snip-
"John" = "God is good" [in standard American English] Click http://www.behindthename.com/name/john
for more information.
-snip-
Given the character that Darryl Jenks portrays in the movie, I wonder if Jenks was selected because it was similar to the word "jerk" or "high jinks" (i.e., in the context of the movie both a jerk and someone who isn't really serious about his affections).
Allison Dean as Patrice McDowell: Cleo's daughter and Lisa's younger sister
Patrice">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrice
"Patrice is a given name meaning noble or patrician, related to the names Patrick and Patricia.
In English, Patrice is often a feminine first name. In French it is used as a masculine first name."
Vanessa Bell Calloway as Imani Izzi: Prince Akeem's intended bride, royalty from another African nation
http://www.ask.com/question/what-is-the-meaning-of-the-name-imani
"The name Imani means faith and it has Arabic and African Swahili origins. It is usually given to girls. This name does not have any listed nicknames for the name but it earlier form was Iman."
**
I believe that the last name "Izzi" is a form of the name "Aziz".
"Aziz (Arabic: عزيز, ʿazīz, [ʕaziːz]) originally a Northwest Semitic Syriac/Hebrew/Assyrian Neo-Aramaic word now much more commonly but not exclusively known as an Arabic male name. Aziz in Arabic is derived from the root ʕ-z-z with a meaning of "strong, powerful". It is a cognate of Hebrew oz meaning "might, strength, power". The Semitic word refers to the "power and glory" of deities and kings. Al-Aziz is one of the names of God in Islam, and the word is also used in reference to the "king of Egypt" (pharaoh) in the quranic Surah-e-Yusuf.
But the adjective has acquired a more generic meaning of "dear, darling, precious" in existing Semitic Languages such as Arabic, Assyrian Neo Aramaic, Mandic and Hebrew. Aziz is a common masculine given name, especially in the Muslim world but it has also continued to be used since Pre Islamic and Pre-Arab times by indigenous non-Muslim peoples in the Middle East, e.g. Assyrians, Jews/Israelites the Maronites, Mandeans and Syriacs-Arameans. The feminine form of both the adjective and the given name is Aziza."
-note-
The information for Colonel Izzi (father of Imani), played by Calvin Lockhart is the same as that given above. It's interesting though that the title "Colonel" was used instead of King.
Note: These cast descriptions are from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094898/fullcredits "Coming to America (1988) Full Cast & Crew"
****
ADDENDUM
Here are two videos from that movie:
Video #1: CTA - "African" Tribal Dance
kulaice, Uploaded on Aug 5, 2011
From the movie "Coming to America".
Choreography : Paula Abdul
Choreography Assistants: Cindy Montoya & Aurorah Allain
***After noticing a lot of commentary on the authenticity of the dance not being from Africa I decided to add quotes to the title, "African" to avoid confusion. The film is based on a fictitious story and not the real Africa. :)
-snip-
Click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHd_0B_kQDo for the a video of real dances from South Africa that remind me of the "tribal" dance scene from that American movie. Btw, since the word "tribal" appears only to be used to refer to People of Color, I very much prefer the word "ethnic" instead of "tribal".
****
Video #2: Coming to America (10/10) Movie CLIP - The King Has Entered the Building (1988) HD
movieclips, Uploaded on Oct 9, 2011
Coming to America Movie Clip - watch all clips http://j.mp/zKtXkg
King Jaffe Joffer (James Earl Jones) pays a visit to Akeem's (Eddie Murphy) apartment in Queens, and catches Semmi (Arsenio Hall) off guard.
…
Film Description: Coming to America casts comedian Eddie Murphy as pampered African prince Akeem, who rebels against an arranged marriage and heads to America to find a new bride. Murphy's regal father (James Earl Jones) agrees to allow the prince 40 days to roam the U.S., sending the prince's faithful retainer Semmi (Arsenio Hall) along to make sure nothing untoward happens. To avoid fortune hunters, Prince Akeem conceals his true identity and gets a "Joe job" at a fast-food restaurant. Murphy and Hall play multiple roles, and there are innumerable celebrity cameos peppered throughout the proceedings -- including the Duke Brothers (Don Ameche and Ralph Bellamy) from Trading Places. Coming to America made further headlines when humorist Art Buchwald sued the film's producers for plagiarizing one of his works. Buchwald carried the case to trial, where he won a sizeable judgement against the film's producers.
****
Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.
Hat tip to the producers, writers, actors, and staff involved in Coming To America, including whoever researched the names for these characters. Thanks also to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Videos Of Obatala Songs, Chants, And Dances
Edited by Azizi Powell
This post showcases eight videos of Obatala songs, chants, and dances. Obatala is a Yoruba Orisa (Orisha, Orixa). As background to these videos, this post also includes information about the Yoruba religion, with special focus on information about Obatala.
This post is presented for religious, historical, folkloric, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Maferefun Obatala!
[Maferefún means “praises to the spiritual energy of” in the Yoruba language.]
INFORMATION ABOUT YORUBA RELIGION
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoruba_religion
"The Yorùbá religion comprises the traditional religious and spiritual concepts and practices of the Yoruba people. Its homeland is in Southwestern Nigeria and the adjoining parts of Benin and Togo, a region that has come to be known as Yorubaland. Yorùbá religion is formed of diverse traditions and has no single founder. It has influenced or given birth to thriving ways of life such as Lucumí, Umbanda and Candomblé.[1] Yoruba religious beliefs are part of itan, the total complex of songs, histories, stories and other cultural concepts which make up the Yorùbá society.[1][2][3]...
An Orisha (Orisa or Orixa) is an entity that possesses the capability of reflecting some of the manifestations of Olódùmarè. Yòrùbá Orishas (translated "owners of heads") are often described as intermediaries between man and the supernatural. The term is often translated as "deities" or "divinities".[8]...
-snip-
From http://www.orishanet.org/ocha.html
"The orishas are the emissaries of Olodumare or God almighty. They rule over the forces of nature and the endeavors of humanity. They recognise themselves and are recognised through their different numbers and colors which are their marks, and each has their own favorite foods and other things which they like to receive as offerings and gifts. In this way we make our offerings in the manner they are accustomed to, in the way they have always received them, so that they will recognise our offerings and come to our aid...
Obatalá is the kindly father of all the orishas and all humanity. He is also the owner of all heads and the mind. Though it was Olorun who created the universe, it is Obatalá who is the creator of the world and humanity. Obatalá is the source of all that is pure, wise peaceful and compassionate. He has a warrior side though through which he enforces justice in the world. His color is white which is often accented with red, purple and other colors to represent his/her different paths. White is most appropriate for Obatalá as it contains all the colors of the rainbow yet is above them. Obatalá is also the only orisha that has both male and female paths."
FEATURED SOUND FILES AND VIDEOS
(The location of these performances are given when indicated.]
Example #1: Tribute to Obatala - God of Creativity [Nigeria]
BrainfolkAfrican, Published on Mar 9, 2012
This is a collection of praise and worship songs to pay homage to Obatala, the God of creativity. The songs on this 2 DVD set were written and sung by Oyelola Ajibola Elebuibon, wife of Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon (Araba Awo of Osogbo Land, Nigeria). When you play the DVD or CD you will feel the energy flowing around you. Oyelola is a widely known and widely requested performer of Orisa Praise songs due to her not just singing, but feeling the words she puts into the song.
-snip-
The English translations of these songs are provided as subtitles in this video. Here's my transcription of the English part of the composer's introductory statement:
"Among 401 Orisas in Yorubaland, Obatala is the oldest. This album is an attempt to preserve and conserve the raw heritage.
It is my pleasure to enrich you with Obatala devotional songs and chants. At the same time, finding its relevance in these modern years - old wine in a new bottle".
-snip-
Additions and corrections are welcome.
****
Example #2: Nigeria- Obatala Shrine [Nigeria]
wavawoman, Uploaded on Jun 16, 2009
[©2006 Wavawoman Films, LLC] Devotees inside the Obatala Shrine in Ile-Ife, Nigeria playing bells and dancing for Obatala.
-snip-
Here are several comments from this video's viewer comment thread:
noah295463 , 2012
"Just a question ? what kind of bells are those ? the name ? Thank You.
-snip-
wavawoman, 2012
I was told they were called "igbin" bells. Igbin is the Yoruba word for "snail". I don't know if I heard correctly. They are flat pieces of iron beat with a thin iron rod. They make a lovely sound.
-snip-
Omo Oba, 2013
Igbin (Do Do) is Obatala special drum not Igbin (do Mi) Snail.
-snip-
Editor: Notice how some of the dancers are being dashed with [sprayed with] money. This is the origin of African Americans receiving dollars bills & pinning them on their shirts or the top of their dresses on their birthdays.
*****
Example #3: Ilu Aye - Obatala video
Dennis Flores, Uploaded on Mar 26, 2006
ILU AYE (Literally, "The Drum of the World" in Yoruba)was founded in 2004, to celebrate the connections between the peoples and cultures of the African Diaspora. Bringing together the next generation of Afro-Puerto Rican, -Dominican, and -Cuban percussionists and singers, ILU AYE is dedicated to preserving and promulagting the rich cultural legacy of Africa in the Americas and the Caribbean, through performance, educational workshops, and community-centered gatherings where the rhythms of the African Caribbean reign. Trained by master musicians from all three islands, and versed in sacred and popular rhythms such as bata, guiro, rumba (Cuba); bomba and plena (Puerto Rico); and palos, salves, and kongos (Dominican Republic), ILU AYE interprets traditional songs and reinvigorates the genres with original compositions by renowned akpwon, Osvaldo "Bembe" Lora. Join IluAye@yahoogroups.com for future events or visit their site @ www.myspace.com/iluayemusic
****
Example #4: Obatalá Dance -- Marta Ruiz [Cuban dancer in Russia]
afrocubaru, Uploaded on Nov 14, 2009
****
Example #5: "Niños y Orishas" - Obbatala [Cuba]
Antonio Bucanero, Uploaded on Sep 2, 2009
****
Example #6: Obbatala II - Abbilona
Alejandro Ayaguna, Uploaded on May 16, 2011
****
Example #7: Song and Dance For Orisha Obatala from 17th annual African Street Festival [United States]
ronzta, Uploaded on Jul 20, 2007
-snip-
Here are some comments from this video's viewer comment thread:
Veetuu, 2010
"Baba ofururu" we can translate like "pure/white/no bad thoughts' father" or "father with the breath from atmosphere". 'Father' here means 'lord', 'god'. Elegigbo is the young and warrior Oshala's kingdom (here in Brazil we call him Oshaguian, in yoruba 'Òsògínyón', Orisha who eats yam)"
-snip-
pikedagger1868, 2010
"There are many Avatars and even types of Obatala Dances...for instance Obatala Oba Moro dances and drops to his one knee...There are even older avatars like Obatala Ocha Griñan who needs to have all music played VERY softly and people must be quiet...he is a VERY old Obatala...or Obatala Orishanla who is a trembling old woman who wants to be covered with a
white sheet. I am a child of Obatala...Maferefun Baba/Iya mi modupe Obatala!"
-snip-
Veetuu, 2010
"Yes, there is. There's a difference in how to play and to sing, but the lyrics are practically the same. Search for the video "Oxalufã Candomblé (Ketu)" and you can see the difference. Here's closer from the african's rhythm from Ketu."
-snip-
Here's a link to the sound file that is mentioned in the above quote:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly2Kx-GFAw4.
-snip-
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candombl%C3%A9_Ketu
"Candomblé Ketu' (or Queto in Portuguese spelling) is the largest and most influential nation (sect) of Candomblé, a religion widely practiced in Brazil. Its beliefs and rituals are similar to those of other Candomblé nations in general terms, but different in almost every detail.
-snip-
Ketu deities are basically those of Yoruba mythology. Olorun, also known as Eledumare, Olodumare, Eledaa and Olofin-Orun, is the supreme God, who created the deities or Orishas (also spelled Orisas or Orixás). The variety of orishas still venerated in Africa were reduced to about 16, of which around twelve are invoked in ceremonies:
[orishas names given, including]
..."Oxalá, the most respected Orixá, father of most other Orixás."
-snip-
Oxalá = Obatala
****
Example #8: Chief Aikulola, Odun Obatala (Festival of Obatala)
asaforitifa, Uploaded on Sep 28, 2007
sacerdotizas de obatala y osun en la casa del Agbongbon de osogbo alto rango de Ifa en el pueblo Osogbo con motivo de la celebracion del festival de Obatala del Gbawoniyi de este mismo pueblo chief Aikulola Fawehinmi. Estas sacerdotizas estan realizando Oosa pipe que es la poesia llamatoria de Obatala.
Priestesses of Obatala and Osun at the home of the Agbongbon Awo of Osogbo during the annual Obatala festival of Chief Aikulola Fawehinmi, a babalawo and priest (adosu) of Obatala and Egungun. The women and some of the men are reciting Oosa pipe, the praise poetry (oriki) used to call Obatala.
Más información en nuestro web site..
http://www.Asaforitifa.com
Video tomado por Awo Fasotito Oduola
****
Thanks to all who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to the publishers of these videos.
Thank you for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
This post showcases eight videos of Obatala songs, chants, and dances. Obatala is a Yoruba Orisa (Orisha, Orixa). As background to these videos, this post also includes information about the Yoruba religion, with special focus on information about Obatala.
This post is presented for religious, historical, folkloric, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Maferefun Obatala!
[Maferefún means “praises to the spiritual energy of” in the Yoruba language.]
INFORMATION ABOUT YORUBA RELIGION
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoruba_religion
"The Yorùbá religion comprises the traditional religious and spiritual concepts and practices of the Yoruba people. Its homeland is in Southwestern Nigeria and the adjoining parts of Benin and Togo, a region that has come to be known as Yorubaland. Yorùbá religion is formed of diverse traditions and has no single founder. It has influenced or given birth to thriving ways of life such as Lucumí, Umbanda and Candomblé.[1] Yoruba religious beliefs are part of itan, the total complex of songs, histories, stories and other cultural concepts which make up the Yorùbá society.[1][2][3]...
An Orisha (Orisa or Orixa) is an entity that possesses the capability of reflecting some of the manifestations of Olódùmarè. Yòrùbá Orishas (translated "owners of heads") are often described as intermediaries between man and the supernatural. The term is often translated as "deities" or "divinities".[8]...
-snip-
From http://www.orishanet.org/ocha.html
"The orishas are the emissaries of Olodumare or God almighty. They rule over the forces of nature and the endeavors of humanity. They recognise themselves and are recognised through their different numbers and colors which are their marks, and each has their own favorite foods and other things which they like to receive as offerings and gifts. In this way we make our offerings in the manner they are accustomed to, in the way they have always received them, so that they will recognise our offerings and come to our aid...
Obatalá is the kindly father of all the orishas and all humanity. He is also the owner of all heads and the mind. Though it was Olorun who created the universe, it is Obatalá who is the creator of the world and humanity. Obatalá is the source of all that is pure, wise peaceful and compassionate. He has a warrior side though through which he enforces justice in the world. His color is white which is often accented with red, purple and other colors to represent his/her different paths. White is most appropriate for Obatalá as it contains all the colors of the rainbow yet is above them. Obatalá is also the only orisha that has both male and female paths."
FEATURED SOUND FILES AND VIDEOS
(The location of these performances are given when indicated.]
Example #1: Tribute to Obatala - God of Creativity [Nigeria]
BrainfolkAfrican, Published on Mar 9, 2012
This is a collection of praise and worship songs to pay homage to Obatala, the God of creativity. The songs on this 2 DVD set were written and sung by Oyelola Ajibola Elebuibon, wife of Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon (Araba Awo of Osogbo Land, Nigeria). When you play the DVD or CD you will feel the energy flowing around you. Oyelola is a widely known and widely requested performer of Orisa Praise songs due to her not just singing, but feeling the words she puts into the song.
-snip-
The English translations of these songs are provided as subtitles in this video. Here's my transcription of the English part of the composer's introductory statement:
"Among 401 Orisas in Yorubaland, Obatala is the oldest. This album is an attempt to preserve and conserve the raw heritage.
It is my pleasure to enrich you with Obatala devotional songs and chants. At the same time, finding its relevance in these modern years - old wine in a new bottle".
-snip-
Additions and corrections are welcome.
****
Example #2: Nigeria- Obatala Shrine [Nigeria]
wavawoman, Uploaded on Jun 16, 2009
[©2006 Wavawoman Films, LLC] Devotees inside the Obatala Shrine in Ile-Ife, Nigeria playing bells and dancing for Obatala.
-snip-
Here are several comments from this video's viewer comment thread:
noah295463 , 2012
"Just a question ? what kind of bells are those ? the name ? Thank You.
-snip-
wavawoman, 2012
I was told they were called "igbin" bells. Igbin is the Yoruba word for "snail". I don't know if I heard correctly. They are flat pieces of iron beat with a thin iron rod. They make a lovely sound.
-snip-
Omo Oba, 2013
Igbin (Do Do) is Obatala special drum not Igbin (do Mi) Snail.
-snip-
Editor: Notice how some of the dancers are being dashed with [sprayed with] money. This is the origin of African Americans receiving dollars bills & pinning them on their shirts or the top of their dresses on their birthdays.
*****
Example #3: Ilu Aye - Obatala video
Dennis Flores, Uploaded on Mar 26, 2006
ILU AYE (Literally, "The Drum of the World" in Yoruba)was founded in 2004, to celebrate the connections between the peoples and cultures of the African Diaspora. Bringing together the next generation of Afro-Puerto Rican, -Dominican, and -Cuban percussionists and singers, ILU AYE is dedicated to preserving and promulagting the rich cultural legacy of Africa in the Americas and the Caribbean, through performance, educational workshops, and community-centered gatherings where the rhythms of the African Caribbean reign. Trained by master musicians from all three islands, and versed in sacred and popular rhythms such as bata, guiro, rumba (Cuba); bomba and plena (Puerto Rico); and palos, salves, and kongos (Dominican Republic), ILU AYE interprets traditional songs and reinvigorates the genres with original compositions by renowned akpwon, Osvaldo "Bembe" Lora. Join IluAye@yahoogroups.com for future events or visit their site @ www.myspace.com/iluayemusic
****
Example #4: Obatalá Dance -- Marta Ruiz [Cuban dancer in Russia]
afrocubaru, Uploaded on Nov 14, 2009
****
Example #5: "Niños y Orishas" - Obbatala [Cuba]
Antonio Bucanero, Uploaded on Sep 2, 2009
****
Example #6: Obbatala II - Abbilona
Alejandro Ayaguna, Uploaded on May 16, 2011
****
Example #7: Song and Dance For Orisha Obatala from 17th annual African Street Festival [United States]
ronzta, Uploaded on Jul 20, 2007
-snip-
Here are some comments from this video's viewer comment thread:
Veetuu, 2010
"Baba ofururu" we can translate like "pure/white/no bad thoughts' father" or "father with the breath from atmosphere". 'Father' here means 'lord', 'god'. Elegigbo is the young and warrior Oshala's kingdom (here in Brazil we call him Oshaguian, in yoruba 'Òsògínyón', Orisha who eats yam)"
-snip-
pikedagger1868, 2010
"There are many Avatars and even types of Obatala Dances...for instance Obatala Oba Moro dances and drops to his one knee...There are even older avatars like Obatala Ocha Griñan who needs to have all music played VERY softly and people must be quiet...he is a VERY old Obatala...or Obatala Orishanla who is a trembling old woman who wants to be covered with a
white sheet. I am a child of Obatala...Maferefun Baba/Iya mi modupe Obatala!"
-snip-
Veetuu, 2010
"Yes, there is. There's a difference in how to play and to sing, but the lyrics are practically the same. Search for the video "Oxalufã Candomblé (Ketu)" and you can see the difference. Here's closer from the african's rhythm from Ketu."
-snip-
Here's a link to the sound file that is mentioned in the above quote:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly2Kx-GFAw4.
-snip-
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candombl%C3%A9_Ketu
"Candomblé Ketu' (or Queto in Portuguese spelling) is the largest and most influential nation (sect) of Candomblé, a religion widely practiced in Brazil. Its beliefs and rituals are similar to those of other Candomblé nations in general terms, but different in almost every detail.
-snip-
Ketu deities are basically those of Yoruba mythology. Olorun, also known as Eledumare, Olodumare, Eledaa and Olofin-Orun, is the supreme God, who created the deities or Orishas (also spelled Orisas or Orixás). The variety of orishas still venerated in Africa were reduced to about 16, of which around twelve are invoked in ceremonies:
[orishas names given, including]
..."Oxalá, the most respected Orixá, father of most other Orixás."
-snip-
Oxalá = Obatala
****
Example #8: Chief Aikulola, Odun Obatala (Festival of Obatala)
asaforitifa, Uploaded on Sep 28, 2007
sacerdotizas de obatala y osun en la casa del Agbongbon de osogbo alto rango de Ifa en el pueblo Osogbo con motivo de la celebracion del festival de Obatala del Gbawoniyi de este mismo pueblo chief Aikulola Fawehinmi. Estas sacerdotizas estan realizando Oosa pipe que es la poesia llamatoria de Obatala.
Priestesses of Obatala and Osun at the home of the Agbongbon Awo of Osogbo during the annual Obatala festival of Chief Aikulola Fawehinmi, a babalawo and priest (adosu) of Obatala and Egungun. The women and some of the men are reciting Oosa pipe, the praise poetry (oriki) used to call Obatala.
Más información en nuestro web site..
http://www.Asaforitifa.com
Video tomado por Awo Fasotito Oduola
****
Thanks to all who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to the publishers of these videos.
Thank you for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
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