The Yoruba Word "Buga": What It Means And How It Became The Name Of A Worldwide Social Dance

Tiktok Roger, May 7, 2022


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Edited by Azizi Powell

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). 

Explanations in English for some of those lyrics are included in this pancocojams post.

That post also includes some information about Kizz Daniel &Tekno and a few general comments from that video's discussion thread.

Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2022/07/the-carnival-theme-for-kizz-daniels.html  for Part III of this pancocojams series. That post showcases a YouTube video of Nigeria's Calabar carnival and presents information and comments about that carnival.

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. 

Special thanks to Mr Xpression, the host of the vlog whose information about "buga" is quoted in this pancocojams 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".

(Additions & corrections are welcome for these definitions and the rest of my comment.)

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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
"😂😂😂😂😂 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"? 

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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 Challenge🎉(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. ENJOY🎉

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 💯😉"
-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. 𝓑𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒓 𝓑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌, June 2022
"Where my Africans at.!!! #Buga to the World.!!🇬🇭🇳🇬🌍"

**
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. Kànmi Oọ̀lọ̀, 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"

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This concludes Part II of this three part pancocojams series.

Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

Theories About The Origins & Use Of Variant Colloquial Words For "Man" Such As "Mane", "Mayne", & "Mehn"

 Edited by Azizi Powell

This is Part II of a four part pancocojams series about variant colloquial spellings of the word "man" such as "mane", "manye", "mehn"* and others.

This post provides my Editorian notes about this subject and also provides one online excerpt and one complete reprint about the origin of or meanings of two variant colloquial spellings for the word "man" (the word "manze" in Sheng, a Pidgin language used in Kenya Tanzania, and Uganda; and the word "mehn" that is used in Nigerian Pidgin English (and elsewhere).

Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2021/01/bo-diddleys-1955-rock-n-roll-song-im.html for Part I of this pancocojams series. That post includes comments from several discussion threads of YouTube sound files or videos about how Bo Diddley pronounces the word "man" in his 1955 hit song "I'm A Man" and in his performances of that song.

Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2021/01/examples-of-variant-colloquial-words.html for Part III of this pancocojams series. Part III documents examples of variant colloquial spelling for the word "man" from some YouTube discussion threads About Bo Diddley's "I'm A Man" Record.

Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2021/01/examples-of-variant-colloquial-words_25.html for Part IV of this pancocojams series. That post documents examples of variant colloquial words for "man" from some discussion threads for YouTube videos of some contemporary African music genres.

The content of this post is presented for linguistic and cultural purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
-snip-
*"Mehn", a variant spelling of the word "man" shouldn't be confused with the word "meh". Here's a definition of the word "meh" from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meh#:~:text=Meh%20(%2Fm%C9%9B%2F),question%20or%20subject%20at%20hand
"Meh (/mɛ/) is an interjection used as an expression of indifference or boredom. It is often regarded as a verbal equivalent of a shrug of the shoulders. The use of the term "meh" shows that the speaker is apathetic, uninterested, or indifferent to the question or subject at hand. It is occasionally used as an adjective, meaning something is mediocre or unremarkable."

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HOW THE WORD "MANE" IS PRONOUNCED & RELATED NOTES  [Added Sept. 22, 2021]

Disclaimer: This is my opinion about these words and how they are pronounced. Additions and corrections are welcome.

"Mane" is one of several African American Vernacular English spellings for the colloquial referent "man". The word "mane" is pronounced by elongating the word "man". The letter "e" at the end isn't spoken, but is used to differentiate the slang word and pronunciation "man" from the standard English word and pronunciation "man".

The words "mayne" and "menh" may also be pronounced the same way as noted above. However, the word "manes" or "manze" is probably pronounced "mans", sometimes meaning "one man" and sometimes meaning "more than one man". When the words "mans" (or "manse" or "manze") is used by African Americans, I believe it is often done incorrectly on purpose as a way of mimicking [for one reason or another] how some Black people talk or used to talk (particularly working class or poor Black people) or mimicking what some non-Black people think is the way many African Americans talk. As such, "mans", "manse" and "manze" are used instead of using the correct standard English words "man" or "men".

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THEORIES ABOUT VARIANT COLLOQUIAL SPELLINGS FOR THE WORD "MAN" 
My position is that the variant colloquial spellings for the English word "man" have been greatly influenced by the way that some African Americans -particularly some African Americans from the South- pronounce that word. 

For example, in Part I of this pancocojams series, I shared some comments from several discussion threads about Bo Diddley's 1955 song "I'm A Man". Some commenters in that discussion thead compaired how Bo Diddley pronounced the English word "man" with the name for the state of Maine (in the United States). I believe that Bo Diddley's pronounciation of the word "man" was largely influenced by his growing up in the South (McComb, Mississippi).

Muddy Waters was also born and raised in the South (Stovall, Mississippi). This comment exchange supports my theory that the pronunciation that the two Bluesmen used for the word "man" came from their Southern upbringing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5IOou6qN1o&ab_channel=GtrWorkShp 
Muddy Waters plays "Manish Boy", published by GtrWorkshop, Nov 16, 2007

Michael Morgan, 2016
"MAIN"

**
Reply
Mike C, 2018
"It's southern dialogue! Check out lil boosie and few other southern rap artists."
-end of quote-
While that pronunciation of the word "man" precedes the 1970s, I believe that the variant (Southern) colloquial spellings for the word "man" became popularized in the United States in the 1970s and on because Hip Hop culture promoted/promotes the use of non-standard spelling for words based on the ways those words actually sound. 

In addition, Hip Hop culture and later internet and texting cultures promote the use of alternative spellings for standard words that come from African American and.or from other Black cultures such as from Nigerian Pidgin English because the way those words were/are spelled and pronounced were/are considered to be "hip"/"cool" (and therefore those people who use those words are considered hip/cool.) 

For instance, "phat" is an example of African Amerian spelling of the standard English word "fat" whose meaning changed with that spelling. That African American Vernacular English word is no longer used (I believe since the early or mid 1990s). Click https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/chewing-the-phat/ for information about the word "phat".

The use of variant colloquial spellings for some other standard English words come from Jamaican Patwa. The spelling of the words "fire" in Jamaican Patwa ("fiyah", "fiya" etc) is an example of a Jamaican Patwa word that has retrained its standard English meaning, although other meanings have been added to it. 

This post includes a few online excerpts about the use of alternate spellings for the word "man" (and/or "men"). I'm interested in learning more about when and where alternate spellings for the word "man" (and/or the word "men") were/are used. Please share any thoughts you have or links that you are aware of on this subject. Thanks in advance!

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A FEW ONLINE EXCERPTS ABOUT THIS SUBJECT
Excerpt #1
From https://www.sheng.co.ke/kamusi/index.php?word_id=1637#:~:text=Manze%2D%20(Interjection.),usually%20when%20one%20is%20exasperated)
"Manze- (Interjection.) [ man-ze ]

Meaning : Man! (exclamation usually when one is exasperated)

Use : Manze jo! niaje na wewe bana?! = Oh man!! what's with you?!

Period: Late 70's

Synonyms: Maze,

Spelling variation: Maze

 

Area of origin : Unknown

Etymology:

Frmo English phrase "oh man!""

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Full Reprint #2 
[This is the entire posts from this link, except their "Senior member" designation and except for  repeated previous statements.]
  
From https://forum.wordreference.com/threads/mehn-nigerian-english.3652499/ mehn [Nigerian English?]

KGregoryA

St Petersburg, Russia

Russian

Jan 11, 2020

#1

"Hello everybody.

Need your help again.

A Nigerian guy (from Obioma’s “Orchestra of minorities”) who was cheated by his school friend Jamike and lost much money is looking for that bad guy Jamike, he comes to an apartment where Jamike is supposed to be and stands at the door and hears voices inside:

He waited at the door, his hand on his chest, as it seemed that he could hear Jamike’s distinct voice among them, shouting in his swaggering tone with the prominent echo of “mehn.”

Can you tell me what does “mehn” mean here?

Thanks for your help.

**
owlman 5

Colorado

English-US

Jan 11, 2020

#2

"Assuming that Jamike is speaking English, I'd say that this is Obioma's attempt to convey Jamike's unusual pronunciation of a word like man or men."

**
KGregoryA

St Petersburg, Russia

Russian

Jan 11, 2020

#3

"Thanks. In other words it is a kind of macho tone?"

**
owlman5

Colorado

English-US

Jan 11, 2020

#4

"You're welcome. Mehn doesn't strike me as macho. Instead, it looks like Obioma's attempt to reproduce a pronunciation that has been influenced by some African language."

**

Jan 11, 2020

KGregoryA

St Petersburg, Russia

Russian

Jan 11, 2020

#5

"ОК, thanks a lot"
-snip-
These are the only online discussion that I've found to date about variant spellings for the  English word "man" or "men".

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This concludes Part II of this pancocojams series.

Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

Nigerian/Cameroonian singer Prince Nico Mbarga - "Sweet Mother" (with selected comments from that sound file's discussion thread)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post presents information about Prince Nico Mbarga and showcases a sound file of and lyrics for that Nigerian/Cameroonian singer's now classic 1976 song "Sweet Mother".

Selected comments from this sound file's discussion thread are also included in this post.

The contents of this post are presented for cultural, entertainment, inspirational, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to Prince Nico Mbarga and his band Rocafil Jazz for their musical legacy. Thanks also to the publisher of this example on YouTube and thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.

In addition, thanks to all mothers and mother figures who take care of and care for children.
-snip-
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/05/prince-nico-mbarga-sweet-mother-sound.html for a 2015 pancocojams post about this song. That post includes the lyrics and some standard English translations of some of the Nigerian Pidgin English words that are found in Prince Nico Mbarga's song "Sweet Mother". That post also includes 37 comments from that YouTube sound file's discussion thread. Those comments are different from those that are featured in this 2019 post.

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INFORMATION ABOUT PRINCE NICO MBARGA
From https://www.allmusic.com/artist/prince-nico-mbarga-mn0000362321/biography
Artist Biography by Craig Harris
"The death of vocalist and guitarist Prince Nico Mbarga, following a motorcycle accident on June 24, 1997, marked the passing of one of Africa's most influential performers. Although he only recorded one significant hit, "Sweet Mother," in 1976, which sold more than 13 million copies, Mbarga played an important role in the evolution of African music. The son of a Nigerian mother and a Cameroonian father, Mbarga embraced the musical traditions of both cultures. With his soulful vocals set to the light melodies of his acoustic guitar, Mbarga created a unique hybrid of Ibo and Zairean guitar playing and uplifting highlife rhythms.

Mbarga's musical approach was inspired by the five years he spent in Cameroon during the Nigerian Civil War of the late '60s. Sharpening his instrumental skills while playing xylophone, conga, drums, and electric guitar in school bands, he made his professional debut as a member of a hotel band, the Melody Orchestra, in 1970. Returning to Nigeria two years later, he formed his own group, Rocafil Jazz, to perform regularly at the Plaza Hotel in the Nigerian river port city of Onitsha. After releasing a disappointing single in 1973, Mbarga and Rocafil Jazz had their first success with their second single, "I No Go Marry My Papa," which became a regional hit. The band's inability to break past their local following, however, resulted in their recording contract being dropped by EMI. The label's decision proved ill-fortuned when the band signed with the Onitsa label and recorded "Sweet Mother." Sung in Pidgin English, the song became one of the top sellers in the history of Nigerian music. In the six years that Mbarga and Recotal Jazz remained with Onitsa, 1975 to 1981, they recorded nine albums.

Temporarily relocating to England in 1982, Mbarga became known for his flamboyant, '70s glam rock-inspired performances. While he continued to appear with Rocafil Jazz, Mbargar also performed with London-based highlife band the Ivory Coasters and Cameroonian vocalist Louisiana Tilda. Despite launching his own Polydor-distributed record label, upon returning to Nigeria, Mbarga and the original members of Rocafil Jazz separated after several Cameroon-born members were deported. Although he later formed the New Rocafil Jazz Band, Mbarga failed to match his early success. Leaving music, he turned his attention to managing the two hotels that he owned, Hotel Calbar and the Sweet Mother Hotel."
-snip-
I reformatted this article to enhance its readability.

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SHOWCASE EXAMPLE: Prince Nico Mbarga Sweet Mother



visualito, Uploaded on Apr 10, 2007

One of great african hits from 70's

This song is very popular in my city Barranquilla ( Colombia ) where is known as "mazuza".
-snip-
Statistics as of May 12, 2019 at 8:04 AM
total # of views - 4,708,652

total likes - 19,000

total dislikes - 1,200

total number of comments -1, 939
-snip-
Here are a few comments from this sound file's discussion thread. These comments are posted in relative chronological order with the oldest dated comments given first, except for replies.

I added numbers for these comments on May 12, 2019 for referencing purposes only.

1. Desmond King, 2015
"Can't believe how people fight over whether its a Nigerian or Cameronian song . Who cares ? It's African music period .

A lovely song which tells of the struggles our mothers had with us , if we could only go back into time and make things easier for her . This song crosses cultural lines and you would have to be a tough SOB without a heart if this doesn't almost bring a tear to your eye, at the right time."

**
REPLY
2. Desmond King, 2015
"I am not even African , but let me tell you
I was doing a little DJ at a wedding and made the mistake of playing that song .

The bride started crying , which in turn had people crying all over the place , her mom everyone was crying . They bride always teases me to this day as to why I made her cry with that song.

I wish African Americans enjoyed some of the wonderful Music and culture in the whole African Diaspora ."

**
3. Mia Ladyy,2016
"His mother is NIGERIAN 💚💛💛. His father is from Cameroon 💚💛💚. Prince Nico Mbarga (R.I.P) was killed in a motorcycle accident on June 24, 1997, leaving behind "Sweet Mother" as the most popular song amongst Africans and their descendants worldwide. Sweet Mother is sometimes called Africa's anthem and has been voted Africa's favourite song by BBC readers and listeners. Beautiful Song!
Thanks to our Sweet Mothers, Sweet Mother Africa, Sweet Mother Earth for taking care of all of us. Sending my love to everyone enjoying this music. Call you Mum and Dad today and tell them how much you love them. Peace and Joy to you all. Keep loving and smiling. Thanks for posting this Beautiful Song!"

**
REPLY
4. MannysMyName, 2018
"Sad irony: His mother died not long after 😢"

**
5. Clive Skinner, 2014
"The original version that I remember playing in the Mambilla area of Nigeria on our old battery-powered record player in the 1970s. Happy days. This track reminds me of the pidgin English that is spoken widely in that area."

**
6. Asedri Amin Amin, 2014
"Prince Nico was African born of Cameroonian and Nigerian parents. He was raised and lived in Nigeria until he died at the age of 47 in a motorcycle accident. Tilda successful sang lyrics of Prince Nico's songs despite she's a Cameroonian. The border between Nigeria and Cameroon has people that belong to same tribe divided into two separate countries by British colonial rule. Nigeria with the biggest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the entire Africa, needs her neighbors especiatially Ivory Coast which has the highest GDP in Sub Shaharan west Africa. For Africans, Fathers not only mean a lot, but also determine their African tribal race. Prince Nico been born with Cameroonian Father and retained his Mother's Nigerian Nationality says a lot about changing cultural norms in Africa."

**
REPLY
7. Kira McCoy, 2015
"@Asedri Amin Amin Okay this may come across sarcastic due to the second comment but it's not meant to be. None of my friends has ever described Nico's nationality quite so objectively. So firstly thanks for that secondly do you write about Africa a lot and if so do you have a blog?"

**
REPLY
8. Diplomatic Worrior, 2015
"@Kira McCoy Sorry it took me this long to reply to your honest and highly inquisitive comment! Honestly, I do read alot about Africa, mostly about the region where I came from. But, I don't write about Africa. Africa is a continent that draws so much indirect interest, because of that, so many scholastic individuals and non-profit organizations take great interest in writing unfiltered informative articles and academic books about Africa. In return, people like you and I are left to constantly read from other people's view point where we have to filter between biased and unbiased writings and opinions."

**
REPLY
9. Chuck Taylor, 2015
"+Asedri Amin Amin This is really insightful...I was born and raised in France from Cameroonian parents and I still remember my moms playing this jawn and jamming with my pops and for some odd reason I've always naturally assumed that Prince Nico was from Bamenda, which is the English spoken part of Cameroon.

Thanks for the enlightenment."

**
REPLY
10. Sam Oystein, 2015
"+Asedri Amin Amin Prince Nico is perhaps more popular in Ghana than most of his Ghanaian contemporaries. The quality of his music is extremely high. He was very much gifted and talented and blended many aspects of different genres of African music. There are elements of Akan, Ewe and Fon musical traditions in his songs. His ingenuity is his ability to transpose them to modern rock music. With your elaboration on boundaries, I think there is no point in Africans choosing to live with boundaries that were set up by the imperial European powers. Let us open up and create a large market that will break us away from Europeans. As a young man, I had more identification and connection with Prince Nico than most Ghanaian artistes who sang in our native language. Unity will always bring out the best!"

**
REPLY
11. Ralf Schuster, 2017
"Prince Nico is great, Cameroonian or Nigerian, what the heck! Cheers from Limbe, the "nigerian part" of Cameroun

****
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Visitor comments are welcome.

Wizkid (featuring Ceeza Milli, Spotless & Terri) - "Soco" [Nigerian Afrobeats Record Information, Video, Lyrics & Comments]

Edited by Azizi Powell

UPDATE: Feb. 14. 2021

This pancocojams post  showcases the official video of "Soco" and presents its lyrics (with English translations). Also included in this post is some information about this song and selected comments from the discussion thread of the official YouTube video.

The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to Wizkid, Ceeza Milli, Spotless & Terri and all others who are associated with this song and its official video. Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publisher of this video on YouTube.
-snip-
WARNING: The end of this video embedded in this post includes a vulgar word from Jamaican Patois. Information about the meaning of that word and its use in this song is presented in the Addendum to this post.

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SHOWCASE VIDEO: STARBOY - SOCO ft. TERRI X SPOTLESS X CEEZA MILLI X WIZKID (OFFICIAL VIDEO)



StarBoy TV, Published on Mar 26, 2018

StarBoy Entertainment Worldwide presents the visuals to its recently released smash single - "SOCO". Visuals by
Clarence Peters.
-snip-
Statistical information about this video as of April 8, 2019. 7:31 PM

43,841,344 views

204,000 like

9,800 dislike

7,441 total comments
-snip-
A commenter on this video's discussion thread responded to a question about whether "Starboy" was another name for "WizKid" with the information that "Starboy" is the record label" and Wizkid is the main artist on that label.

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LYRICS TO “SOCO” BY WIZKID

INTRO WIZKID

On! Holy fire, holy water, holy money (4x)

Oya put the fire, oya put the thunder, holy money (3x)

Beatzzzz

PRE CHORUS

Eledumare bless you with body o baby o, star boy go bless you with money o omoge (fine lady) o (2x) uhh

CHORUS (WIZKID)

Oya soco soco, soco soco soco, soco soco baby o, soco soco soco soco so (Quickly throw something)

Oya gbefun lopo, lopo lopo lopo (oyoyoyo) (Give it to him in different ways.

Oya gbe fun baby o- soco soco soco (Give it to him baby)

VERSE 1 (TERRI)

Oh when I come through, they know it’s a vibe, so they turn up. All eyes on me nooow

So many things you fit do with your bum bum; maje ki o re baby (Don’t be tired baby) ah ah ah. StarBoy get plenty money

Girl you know what the doctor do; soco. She low for me, show me attitude; soco

Don’t doubt am the one for you; soco. Am the one bony tv anytime you blow; soco

Ibadi like Olodo (Your waist is like that of the size of a stream); soco. Omoyi le pa eyan (This babe can kill someone), you’re my type of olosho (prostitutes); Eh yea yea iye eh

CHORUS (WIZKID)

Oya soco soco, soco soco soco, soco soco baby o, soco soco soco soco so (Quickly throw something)

Oya gbefun lopo, lopo lopo lopo (oyoyoyo) (Give it to him in different ways.

Oya gbe fun baby o- soco soco soco (Give it to him baby)

VERSE 2 (SPOTLESS)

Body o body o, girl you confuse my thinking. With your body o body o, girl it is for you that I am singing

With your body o body o, girl come chop all my money oh. Oh with your baka behind oh, girl come chop all my money oh

You make a man wan smoke cannabis; soco. All my brain don reset; soco

All i see na your waist; soco. Girl come manya make we dance o; soco

I like the way your body semkpe for me; soco. Baby come jogodo for me oh; soco.

Make your body move for me; soco. Baby come shake bombom for me o; soco.

CHORUS (WIZKID)

Oya soco soco, soco soco soco, soco soco baby o, soco soco soco soco so (Quickly throw something)

Oya gbefun lopo, lopo lopo lopo (oyoyoyo) (Give it to him in different ways.

Oya gbe fun baby o- soco soco soco (Give it to him baby)

VERSE 3 (CEEZA MILLI)

Step in the place the party scatter. Make them surrender

But dem dey give them what they need, another hit, another one.

Nicki Minaj, she starts to dance, girl I love the things you do

So baby dance and dance sukusu eh. When you do da dirty whine; yeah yeh

Oya jo baby (2x) Oya ju badi; soco. Oya jo baby; soco

Oya jo baby, Oya go crazy, Oya ju badi; soco

Want to spend money, make me spend money (2x); soco

Oya jo baby, oya go crazy, Oya ju badi nye

CHORUS (WIZKID)

Oya soco soco, soco soco soco, soco soco baby o, soco soco soco soco so (Quickly throw something)

Oya gbefun lopo, lopo lopo lopo (oyoyoyo) (Give it to him in different ways.

Oya gbe fun baby o- soco soco soco (Give it to him baby)

PRE CHORUS

Eledumare bless you with body o baby o, star boy go bless you with money o omoge o (2x) uhh

CHORUS (WIZKID)

Oya soco soco, soco soco soco, soco soco baby o, soco soco soco soco so (Quickly throw something)

Oya gbefun lopo, lopo lopo lopo (oyoyoyo) (Give it to him in different ways.

Oya gbe fun baby o- soco soco soco (Give it to him baby)
-snip-
This transcription doesn't include the vulgar Jamaican Patois word that Wizkid says at the end of the embedded video of this song.

Source: https://ogefash.reviews/2018/07/11/lyrics-translation-music-review-soco-ft-wizkid-terri-spotless-ceeza-milli-what-is-really-still-keeping-this-song-on-airwaves/ "(+LYRICS+ TRANSLATION) MUSIC REVIEW – “SOCO” FT. WIZKID, TERRI, SPOTLESS, CEEZA MILLI “WHAT IS REALLY STILL KEEPING THIS SONG ON AIRWAVES?”; Posted on 11 Jul 2018 by Ogefash's Styl
-snip-
"Nicki Minaj" {Onika Tanya Maraj) "is a Trinidadian-born rapper, singer, songwriter, actress, and model.[5] [who was ] Born in Saint James, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago and raised in Queens, New York City" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicki_Minaj.

****
INFORMATION ABOUT THE LANGUAGES USED IN THIS SONG
The languages used in the song "Soco" are Nigerian Pidgin English & Yoruba.

UPDATE: April 9, 2019: Here's a comment exchange from the discussion thread for this song's official video
Opulent Soundz, 2019
"Wish I knew what they were saying. Such a dope track! Much love from Canada 💯"

**
REPLY
SANKOFA X, 2019
"he's basically telling the girl to throw it down and dance"

****
INFORMATION ABOUT THIS SONG'S MUSICAL GENRE
This music genre is "Afrobeats". The "s" in this word distinguishes this music from "Afrobeat" music created by Fela Kuti in the 1970s.

Here's information about "Afrobeats":
https://travelnoire.com/ayo-jay-afrobeats-music/
April 09, 2019 "Afrobeats Music Is Taking Over Mainstream Pop Culture Worldwide: A Talk With Ayo Jay"
"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."...
-snip-
In contrast, here's information about "Afrobeat" music" "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afrobeat
"Afrobeat is a music genre which involves the combination of elements of West African musical styles such as fuji music and highlife with American funk and jazz influences, with a focus on chanted vocals, complex intersecting rhythms, and percussion.[1]

The term was coined by Nigerian multi-instrumentalist and bandleader Fela Kuti, who is responsible for pioneering and popularizing the style both within and outside Nigeria."...

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EXPLANATIONS ABOUT CERTAIN TERMS/REFERENCES IN THIS SONG
These comments are presented according to theme and are numbered for referencing purposes only

1. What The Word "Soco" Means
From the official video's discussion thread:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VrWaED18_g
1. African Traveler, 2018
"soco means "throw it down" slang from yoruba "so nkan""

**
REPLY
2. deey A, 2018
"@African Traveler no soco is actually a Yoruba word. Spelt as Soko, It does NOT mean "so nkan" it means, dance, groove, party etc. We Yorubas will say " wa soko, wa gba ijo which means come and dance, come and party. The word "So nkan" that you have mentioned means to say something . They sound similar though."

**
REPLY
3. African Traveler, 2018
"deey A soko doesn’t mean “ to dance” in any Yoruba dialect I know ."

**
REPLY
4. deey A, 2018
"@African Travelerit's a Yoruba slang. It's my language."

**
REPLY
5. African Traveler, 2018
"deey A its mine too. Repping Ife right here. And neither I nor any Yoruba person I know has ever heard this “slang” before...."

**
REPLY
6. deey A, 2018
"@African Traveler you deffo don't know much about Yoruba slangs then. Alot of Juju and Fuji musicians have used the slang "soco" in there music. Dbanj also used the slang in the Tongolo album. He had a "soco" track, here is the link. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rWsugwMCIAk

Try and ask grown Yoruba people who are streetwise i grew up listening to lots of Fuji and Juju so got my facts. I will not reply to this any longer mate regardless.

Cheers!"

**
7. Olatoyan Femi, April 2019
" Sókò(soco) means dance in Yoruba language"
-snip-
I read a large portion of this video's discussion thread. Most of the commenters who responded to the question "What does "soco" mean [in Wizkid's song with that title] wrote "dance". A few commenters wrote "throw away" and even fewer referred to the Yoruba term "so nkan". The author of the article which served as a source for the lyrics (given above) belongs to the "throw away" camp regarding the meaning of the word "soco" in Wizkid's aong. Read the comment that follows.

**
8. Ogefash's Styl, 11 Jul 2018
https://ogefash.reviews/2018/07/11/lyrics-translation-music-review-soco-ft-wizkid-terri-spotless-ceeza-milli-what-is-really-still-keeping-this-song-on-airwaves/
..."So many people have been asking what the meaning of “Soco” is and I am like “Are you serious?” Why? Because Wizkid’s body gestures when singing the chorus explains what the word means.

Soco is a song from the “Starboy” king- @Wizkid and his newly signees; @Terri, @Spotless, @Ceeza Milla. The word “Soco” is a word abbreviated from the Yoruba word “so nkankan”, which means to say something or “san nkan” ‘pay something. However, overtime, when people say “so nkan” they also mean “Throw something”. Having watched the video and listened to the audio countless times I have come to the conclusion that what the artist means by “soco” is the latter, which means “To throw something”

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COMMENTS & INFORMATION ABOUT THE WORD "ELEDUMARE" IN THIS SONG
[[from the discussion thread for this video, link given above]
1. Arasa Malik, 2018
"I like how he says "Olodumare bless you" instead of "God bless you". Stay true to your culture 🇳🇬. Respect ✊🏾

**
REPLY
2. Bridjet Etoo, 2018
"It pronounced eledumare, u tried anyways"

**
REPLY
3. Tommy Black, 2018
"Who is Olodumare/Eledumare?

Anyway, there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. (I Timothy 2:5)"

**
REPLY
4. Arasa Malik, 2018
"@Tommy Black Eledumare/Olodumare is the name of "God" in Yoruba.

Asé o."

**
REPLY
5. Bridjet Etoo, 2018
"@Arasa Malik egbon Weldone jare"

**
REPLY
6. Nairaa, 2019
"@Bridjet Etoo are you yoruba? because "olodumare" is correct too."

**
REPLY
7. Bridjet Etoo, 2019
"@Nairaa I didn't say it not correct, eledumare was what wizkid said. Olodomare is not often used"

**
REPLY
8. Gloria Daniels, 2019
"Fact! Starboy prefers using Eledumare/Olodumare. Pure love for culture. Good observation from you."

**
9. Burnetta Hood, 2019
"Did he say Oludumare gone bless you? If so I love this song even more now!!!!!! #YorubaTribe"

**
REPLY
10. MR N.O.V.A, 2019
"Yep that's what he said"

**
REPLY
11. Burnetta Hood, 2019
"@MR N.O.V.A thank you!!! So he's Yoruba too?"

**
REPLY
12. MR N.O.V.A, 2019
"@Burnetta Hood You're welcome.Yes he is from Yoruba land. He is from Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria and his real names are Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun ."
-snip-
Here's some information about Eledumare/Olodumare
From https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5893219718076521675#audiencestats
"Olodumare (Yoruba: O-lo-dù-ma-rè) also known as Olorun (Almighty) is the name given to one of the three manifestations of the Supreme God or Supreme Being [1] in the Yoruba pantheon. Olodumare is the Supreme Creator.[1]

The Yoruba believe Olodumare is omnipotent and is also responsible for the creation of all life,[2] Yoruba tradition says everything is in the hands of God (Olodumare) when they are going to bed at night.[2]"...

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ADDENDUM: What the word at the end of this song means
Here's information about this word from http://jamaicanpatwah.com/term/Bumboclaat/933#.XKvSPJhKi70
"Definitions of "Bumboclaat" (Vulgar)

Definition
One of the most popular swear words in Jamaica. Though this word doesn't have an actual meaning or english translation, it is mostly used as an exclamation of shock, surprise, anger, frustration or for any other intense emotions.

[...]

Bumboclaat is actually a very vulgar swear word so you can get arrested for using it around police officers as well as dismissed from a class or formal business place."

****
Comments from the discussion thread of the official video [link given above]
1. Gavin Riley, 2019
"Wai-...did Wizkid say "bumboclaat" right at the end?? 😭😭😭😔🤔🙃"

**
REPLY
2. Terese Brown, 2019
"Yes! It's a trend on some of the tracks to use it at the end. Davido does it too. I almost wished he hadn't. Isn't authentic"

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Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

Comments About African Unity In Discussion Threads For The Swahili Version & The Original Version of Yemi Alade's Inspirational Song "Na Gode"

Edited by Azizi Powell

This is Part II of a two part pancocojams series about the inspirational song "Na Gode" by Nigerian Afro-Pop performers Yemi Alade featuring Selebobo.

Part II features the official YouTube Swahili version of Yemi Alade's "Na Gode".

This post also includes selected comments from that video's discussion thread and from the official YouTube video's discussion thread that focus on how this song and other Yemi Alade songs serve as evidence of and impetus for African unity.

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2017/11/the-inspirational-nigerian-song-na-gode.html for Part I of this series. Part I showcases the official video for the original version of Yemi Alade's "Na Gode", featuring Selebobo. This post also includes three versions of the lyrics for "Ha Gode", the original lyrics (in Hausa, Nigerian Pidgin English, and Igbo), standard English lyrics (posted by a commenter on the official YouTube video's discussion thread), and Swahili lyrics.

That post also includes a few selected general comments about this song from the discussion thread for this video and the discussion thread for the official video for the Swahili version of this song.

Part II features the official YouTube Swahili version of Yemi Alade's "Na Gode".

This post also includes selected comments from that video's discussion thread and from the official YouTube video's discussion thread that focus on how this song and other Yemi Alade songs serve as evidence of and impetus for African unity. In addition, this post includes some comments about celebrating their Africanness from people from the Black African Diaspora throughout the world.

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The content of this post is presented for cultural, religious, inspirational, linguistics, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to Yemi Alade, Selebobo, and all those who were associated with this song and video. Thanks also to the transcriber of the versions of this song and thanks to the publishers of these videos.
-snip-
Click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAPEntGix4M for the YouTube video Yemi Alade - Africa (Official Video) ft. Sauti Sol. Yemi Alade is a Nigerian Afro-Pop (Afrobeats) singer and Sauti Sol is a Kenyan Afropops singing group.

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SHOWCASE VIDEO - Yemi Alade - Na Gode (Swahili Version Official Video)



YemiAladeVEVO, Published on Jan 24, 2016

"Effyzzie Music Group presents the music video for the Swahili version of Yemi Alade's hit single "Na Gode".

The clip of the Selebobo produced thankful anthem was created due the popular demand of it by East African music lovers and fans. The track will be housed on Yemi Alade's sophomore album titled "Mama Africa".

Directed by Paul Gambit.
-snip-
Statistics for this YouTube video (as of November 8, 2017 (at 1:30AM EST)
total views - 4,678,873

total likes (thumbs up) - 27K


total dislikes (thumbs down) -1K

total number of comments - 2,440

****
COMMENTS ABOUT AFRICAN UNITY IN THE VIDEO'S DISCUSSION THREAD FOR YEMI ALADE'S SONG "NA GODE" (Swahili Version)
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_7fy-UiHfM

2016
1. Blaise
"Yemi Alade is one of the most talented female musician in Nigeria, always bringing unity to we African while some other musician are busy trying to imitate Americans and Europeans and other culture.
#Respect"

**
2. abdiwali adan
"I love you My African people"

**
3. Lawlahdey
"she's distinct! she knows how to bring Africans together, can u imagine an artiste trying all languages to bring all in unity😍..I love Yemi Alade! End of story😘"

**
4. Safiya Ummi
"+Lawlahdey very true, we should unite rather than divide though we have many differences; we are still one Africa, that way we can build the Continent and make it a better place."

**
5. Chrispine Ouma
"while African leaders bicker and bi&ch* the artists are uniting the continent from the west to the east"
-snip-
The complete spelling word is used for this word in that discussion thread.

**
6. Leon X
"Am from Cape Verde(West Africa)and i love this song.Don't understand it but listen to it everyday.Love this SongLove To My African Brothers&Sisters☆"

**
7. PrettyAbby Jean
"I'm not African but I'm Haitian girl and I proud of me cause I'm black. Africa! !! Its our soul!"

**
Reply
8. Winnie Favor
"am kenyan ..Africa is more than colour. ..together we stand"

**
Reply
9. Masaba Masaba
"+Winnie Favor Nice Nice Winnie One Love Africa"

**
Reply
10. Praise Onaturals
"+PrettyAbby Jean I Love You All Africa is Indeed Our Soul!"

**
11. Nyabyenda Jean Paul
"Hey you can not imagine how I liked the music good message Swahili Nzuri.I played the song ten times. I am in Rwanda but there should no border for Africans we are brothers and sisters? isn't it? thanks again my sister!"

**
12. chris maloney
"+Sam Mungai you Kenyans should thank us " NIGERIANS " for making this replicate in Swahili, not telling the world how u proud to be an African..."

**
Reply
13. Ice Ada
"+chris maloney YOu are the perfect picture of a fool. That wasn't an insult, it is merely my opinion. So on the one hand, there are hardworking Nigerians like Yemi, who believe in the spirit of Africa and would go to any lengths including learning various languages just to bring about a universality of all African brethren, than on the other hand, there are people like you, spreading hate and disunity and trying desperately to cast Nigeria in a bad limelight. I have only one advice for you... GO TO SCHOOL!!! or better still just read a book. Let me take this time out to apologize to all Kenyans who have been offended by this post. Not all NIGERIANS are idiots."

**
14. Glo M
"yEMI ALADE reminds me of Late Mama Miriam Makebe. Musical Diversity. Representing Mama Africa in all its splendour. Keep it Up Malaika."

**
15. Molyne Hazinah
"yemi alade...i applaud you...you sing as a swahili speaker...proudly african born nigerian singing kenyan..."

**
16. Astemhat
"Say you are Continental African to be Precise.The other blacks are Diasporic Africans.Hope that helps!"

****
2017
17. Sandralinabeauty Sandralinabeauty
"Shout out to all my Africans brothers and sisters 🙌🏾✊🏾❤"

**
18. nauta tobias
"love this African queen , she make me proud of my root , afrikan spirit i feel it , Afrika is everything
much love from Namibia , keep it up .
wind of change , the Afrika shining"

**
19. mike askme
"African American here, and even though i dont understand the words, i feel the beat, the words in my soul. Love my African brothers and sisters no matter where they are at in this sick world. Peace and One Love."

**
20. chris _theconcious one
"Such a beautiful song. Such beautiful people. As a Black American this songs reinforces my desire to visit the motherland"

**
21. Seth Adams
"this lady deserves a peace award,she connects the continent into one"

**
22. Rita Mutua
"gal can sing swahili like an east african. !!! Unite the continents with music.....l. Black gal magic ;-)"

**
23. winfray sango
"I love because it makes us one,it reminds me o f those days that Africans struggled for a common goal.other ther follw,yemi is no one.she joins Aafricans."

**
24. mali idris
"im morrocan and love my african ppl"

**
25. Diamond Fox
"I am where Yemi Alade came from. I am Nigerian. I love the lord and my family and most importantly, AFRICA! May god be with you all. :)"

*****
COMMENTS ABOUT AFRICAN UNITY IN THE OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR YEMI ALADE'S SONG "NA GODE"
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8dqVuHmj5k

2016
1. Wandeti Kassaja
"I am from Tanzania and Yemi's songs are very popular here but nagode and nagode swahili version are songs we always play more often especially on special occassions like weddings etc
It feels great to see how this big continent can be united by something wonderful like this!"

**
2. daysis fuentes
"I love this song I'm proud to be Afro Cuban !! Africa en mi"

**
3. Maureen Munge
"is it really neccessary to specify whether its a Nigerian music, Camerounian or Ghanian? dont think so. we all are Africans. its not because nigerian music is becoming more popular now in Africa and beyond that we need that separation. yemi alade, tiwa savage, etc when they go out of Africa for a show or any other thing they represent Africa not just Nigeria guys. i just love this song alot because it goes along with my passion. nice work yemi/selebobo."

**
4. Asedri Amin
"While subshaharan African countries have different levels of cultural advancement, there is no doubt that a lot of Subshaharan countries promote and advocate the advancement of Subshaharan cultures regardless of what country it comes from.
Case in point, Yemi becomes popular in Africa after Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Ghana went viral with her song Johnny, it was already popular in these subshaharan countries way before the video of Johnny song was realised.
My point is one successful subshaharan country becomes the pride of all other subshaharan countries, "one subshaharan Africa indivisible".

**
Reply
5. C Will
"I don't like the term sub-saharan, what does it even mean. Its are redicilous divide that European colonizers invented. A dividence that shouldn't even be in Africa. Lets refer to Africa based on the region call it West Arica, Central Africa, North Africa, East Africa and Southern Africa."

**
Reply
6. Nefertiti QueenOfEgypt
"There is no such thing as a Sub-sahara Africa ! Africa is one land mass with many Ethnic groups there are what you call " Pure Africans " in North Africa not all are mixed or Arab ! plus Arab is not a race it's a cultural Ethnicity. Also, Somali, Ethopia, Eratrea and Djibouti is in what Europeans like to call sub-sahara Africa they are black but they don't fit the non-African myth of the true black most of us are not mixed like whites always claim without knowing us. Also Sudan, Chad, Mali, Niger, Maurtiania and Northern Nigeria and Burkina Faso all seat longitudinal in Al-Sahara with Millions of people living there ! ! ! ! Therfore, we real Africans don't need to call ourselves Sub-Saharan since there is no such thing ! ! ! ! Only in the european mind ! ! ! !"

**
Reply
7. Tropical Citizen
"+Love last forever, subshaharan Africans simply means Africans who are partially or fully south of Sahara, North African Arabs allied with Arab world and they are considered part of Arab world not Africa."

**
Reply
8. C Will
"+Tropical Citizen we know what it means that was not the discussion, the discussion is about how Africans are no sub to anything and that the term is offensive. We shouldn't use the term, beside the fact that the term is flawed. The Arab world is not a continent, just so you know."

**
Reply
9. hannah60000 (2017)
"Um Africa is split into 5 regions: North, West, East, Central, and Southern regions.

If you mean black Africa by your use of "subsaharan" Africa then black folks are native across [t]he continent, yes black ingenious ethnic groups in the North too.

Of course we support one another, we come from a same root, although we have diverse cultures within and between our nations!"

**
Reply
10. Mariivoire (2017)
"Asedri Amin As Africans, we should always support each other. #ProudToBeAfrican
-snip-
These selected comments are part of a long sub-thread. Most of the commenters in that sub-thread rejected the term "sub-Sahara".

**
11. Lorriane ebrunie
"alright guys, we'll be in 2016 soon. you should've learned by now that Africa is the most diverse continent on earth. As we step in 2016 I don't want to see anymore "African music" but rather " Nigerian music" on Nigerian music video because African music doesn't all sound the same. so please try your best to refrain from using the term African when referring a single country of the continent."

**
Reply
12. ChickAboutTown.com - Living & Lifestyle in East Africa
"+Lorriane ebrunie Yeah, you do you and we'll do we. Go ahead and preach separateness if you want, I'd much rather preach our similarities not our differences because that's my experience as a Tanzanian'/Ugandan who grew up in the Ivory Coast and lived long periods in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda having also been to 9 other African countries."
-snip-
These two comments are part of a relatively long sub-thread from this discussion. Most of the commenters indicated that they like the term "African music" as it demonstrates African unity.

**
13. murielle salvador
"i don't know why i love nigerian too much like this though i'm ivorian,anyways na the same Africa.i think na naija i go marry ooooo make una keep a black fine bobo for me there abeg"
-snip-
Nigerian commenters complimented this commenter from The Ivory Coast for her command of Nigerian Pidgin English. The commenter wrote that she learned Nigerian Pidgin English from her friends and the movies."

I'm learning some Nigerian Pidgin English terms from the internet. Here's what I believe is the standard English "translation" for amurielle salvador's comment [Additions and corrections are welcome]
"I don't know why I love Nigerians so much like this although I'm Ivorian. Anyway, it's the same Africa (no matter where you come from). What I really think is that I'm going to marry a Nigerian. Please keep a fine, hip Black man for me there."

Btw, in response to one commenter who complimented her for how well she expressed herself in Nigerian Pidgin, murielle salvador wrote in 2017:
14. "Thanks that shows how i love una lol.one love"
-snip-
"One love" is a frequently used as a ending tag in this and other contemporary African music discussion threads. That phrase originated as a title of one of Reggae superstar Bog Marley's records.

This comment was written in 2017 in response to murielle's salvador's comment about wanting to marry a Nigerian man:
15. burlhorse89
"marry a nigerian because of the music??you can get the music on spotify now.lol"
-snip-
And that comment prompted this one:
15. FroMaestro (2017)
"^ ded. lolol"
-snip-
“ded” ("dead”) is an African American Vernacular English originated term that means that what was written was so funny that the person figuratively died laughing.

****
2017
16. MYCA
"YEMI is beyond talented!!! She is just too much ooo. She can sing, definitely dances very well and fashion wise she is an African diva. Her choices of styles and dresses is sooo unique and she is one of the very few African artists who promote our African wear through her music. God Bless her and her music career!"
-snip-
“Too much” = means "very good" ; The Nigerian Yoruba language and Pidgin English use of one or more "o"[s further emphasize that statement.

**
17. Carol-anne Francis
"I live In France, I'm from Guyane and if I were rich I would pay millions to know where my ancestors come from in africa so sad I didn't grow up In african culture"

**
Reply
18. Quinta Brown Deriona
"eriona
Ehmm...
U dont need millions actually... CHeck ancestry.com
U r welcomed :)"

**
19. ik ben chadia
"Here a north african in love with this!!!"

**
20. Stephania Pierre
"I am from Haiti and we are very proud of our African roots, but looking at Yemi Alade makes me even more proud of my African Ancestors. I wish to transmit this pride to my future kids"

**
21. konjo melat
"Ethiopian but always in love with west African music."

**
22. serikpa Bruno Djatchi
"Bonjour à la galaxy Africaine mais en particulier à la jeunesse NIGERIANE et à sa tête les jeunes Loups comme Flovour, Yemi Alade et autres. Pour moi le meneur du groupe reste Flovour et je voudrais ici lui dire un grand merci. Je suis de la Côte D'ivoire et je vis à Paris mais ces derniers temps, la musique NIGERIANE reste la Meilleure. Bravo mes jeunes frères et bonne continuation à vous tous."
-snip-
Google translate from French to English
"ello to the African galaxy but in particular to the NIGERIAN youth and to its head the young Wolves like Flovour, Yemi Alade and others. For me the leader of the group remains Flovour and I would like to say a big thank you to him. I'm from Ivory Coast and I live in Paris but lately, NIGERIANE music remains the Best. Congratulations my young brothers and good luck to you all."

**
23.Ryan Rock
"All the way in the Caribbean and loving this song.........one day I shall visit the Motherland"

**
24 Alpha Savage
"I'm a proud South African American...........My fellow African American, Jamaican,Haitian,European Africans and fellow Africans born in the continent, let's all unite."

**
25. Keisha Blocker
"As a black American I have such an appreciation for African music and the many cultures. Having little to no connection with my ancestry this makes me feel closer. Thank you for such beautiful music. I may not always understand the words but I feel a stirring in my soul when I listen."

****
This concludes Part II of this two part pancocojams series.

Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

The Inspirational Nigerian Song "Na Gode" ("Thank You") by Yemi Alade featuring Selebobo- (with the official YouTube video & three versions of this song's lyrics)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This is Part I of a two part pancocojams series about the inspirational song "Na Gode" by Nigerian Afro-Pop performers Yemi Alade featuring Selebobo.

Part I showcases the official video for the original version of Yemi Alade's "Na Gode", featuring Selebobo. This post also includes three versions of the lyrics for "Ha Gode", the original lyrics (in Hausa, Nigerian Pidgin English, and Igbo), standard English lyrics (posted by a commenter on the official YouTube video's discussion thread), and Swahili lyrics.

This post also includes a few selected general comments about this song from the discussion thread for this video and the discussion thread for the official video for the Swahili version of this song.

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2017/11/comments-about-african-unity-in.html for Part II of this pancocojams series. Part II features the official YouTube Swahili version of Yemi Alade's "Na Gode".

That post also includes selected comments from that video's discussion thread and from the official YouTube video's discussion thread that focus on how this song and other Yemi Alade songs serve as evidence of and impetus for African unity.

****
The content of this post is presented for cultural, religious, inspirational, linguistics, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to Yemi Alade, Selebobo, and all those who were associated with this song and video. Thanks also to the transcriber of the versions of this song and thanks to the publishers of these videos.

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SHOWCASE VIDEO - Yemi Alade - Na Gode (Official Video) ft. Selebobo



YemiAladeVEVO, Published on Nov 4, 2015

Yemi Alade finally premieres the music video for her smash hit "Na Gode" featuring Selebobo.

The gratitude preaching "Na Gode" is produced by the track's guest vocalist, and serves as the first and lead single of Yemi Alade's sophomore album christened "Mama Africa".

Special thanks to the National Commission of Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Nikki Laoye (Founder, Angel 4 Life Foundation/Celebrity Voice for NCFRMI South/West Zone), Mrs. Essien (Director of IDPs, NCFRMI), Hajia Aisha Ibrahim (Deputy Director of Refugees and Immigration Issues) and all the staff and members of the NCFRMI for making this a reality.

Directed by Paul Gambit.
-snip-
Statistics for this YouTube video (as of November 7, 2017 (at 5:45 PM EST)
total views - 15,186,314

total likes (thumbs up) - 62K

total dislikes (thumbs down) -2K

total number of comments - 3, 303

****
NA GODE (Hausa, Pidgin English, and Igbo languages lyrics)

(writer- Yemi Alade)

Eh eh oh oh, oh oh Sugar!!!
Baba I thank You, Oluwa Na Gode o
Yemi Alade iye eh eh
Selebobo dey hia o!
Chineke Na Gode o

Person wey hustle suppose to chop
E supposed to pop, e suppose to chill ebelebe
Person wey work suppose to dance, e suppose to rock
E suppose to flex ebelebe iye eh eh
But don’t you forget iyo say no be by might iyo,
Always be thankful o Oluwa Na Gode o
Brother no be crime iyo to spend your money,
But always be thankful o maka ife adigo mma oh.

Even if you no get iyo, no get iyo never forget to say
Baba I thank you, Oluwa Na Gode o
And if you too get iyo, too get iyo never forget to say
Baba I thank you (Daalu), Chineke Na Gode!

[Selebobo:]
Selebobo o!
Person wey drive suppose to park, e no suppose to lack
Suppose to pack money ebelebe
Imana onye Na-Agba mbo suppose to hammer, e suppose to hammer o,
E suppose to make am o ebelebe iya eh
But never forget iyo say no be by might iyo always be thankful
Oluwa Na Gode, sister no be crime iyo to spend your money
But always be thankful o Maka n'ife adigo mma oh!

Even if you no get iyo, no get iyo never forget to say
Baba I thank you, Oluwa Na Gode
And if you too get iyo, too get iyo never forget to say
Baba I thank you, Chineke Na Gode

Pop Rosé, no more enemy iye eh eh
Pop champagne, no more complain eh
If you dey live for Lekki or you dey live for shitta o
Make you dey pop anything, cos all na popping
We rocking Versace, we driving Ferrari
We cruising Bugatti o, forever and ever o
We going higher o, we no go retire o
We getting paper o, this is my desire o

Even if you no get iyo, no get iyo never forget to say
Baba I thank you, Oluwa Na Gode
And if you too get iyo, too get iyo never forget to say
Baba I thank you (Yo waa), Chineke Na Gode.
[x3]

Eshe Baba, Eshe Baba
Yemi Alade iye eh eh
Selebobo dey hia o!
Chineke Na Gode o!!!


From https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/yemialade/nagode.html

****
NA GODE (English version)

From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8dqVuHmj5k comment posted by , 2017 in the discussion thread for the official YouTube video of Yemi Alade's
"Na Gode" featuring Selebobo

Background for this translation: Another commenter in the discussion thread responds to a request for this song's lyrics by sharing the azlyrics.com link given above. Anime Pops! then writes the following comments:

Anime Pops! (2017)
"That isn't the translation. +Amin I'll do it for you. and also +Sara Kimo I am a girl."

**
Anime Pops! (2017)
Selebobo is the man she sings with.
Ok I'll translate:


Daddy, I thank you, God thank you.
Selebobo is here!
God thank you.

The person that is hustling is supposed to chop, he's supposed to pop, he's supposed to chill (ebelebe).
(Same verse but with different words)
But don't you forget, it's not a might
Always be thankful, God thank you
Brother it's not a crime, to spend your money
But always be thankful, for serving folks good.

Chorus;
Even if you don't have anything, don't have anything never forget to say
Daddy I thank you, God thank you.
Even if you do have, even have never forget to say Daddy I thank you, God thank you.
The person who is driving is supposed to drive, he's not supposed to lack, he's supposed to pack money (ebelebe)
Imana who tries is supposed to hammer, he's supposed to hammer, he's supposed to make it (ebelebe)
(Same line in verse 1)
(Same in verse 1)

Pop Rose, no more enemy
Pop champagne, no more complain
If you are very lucky, or you are not lucky
Pop anything, because everything is all about celebrating
We're rocking Versace, driving Ferrari
cruising Bugatti, forever and ever
We're going higher, we won't retire
We're getting paper, this is my desire

(Chorus x3)

Yes Daddy, Yes Daddy
Yemi Alade
Selebobo is here
God thank you!! "
-snip-
In the United States, standard English speakers use the referent "Father" instead of "Daddy" or "Papa".

****
NA GODE (Swahili version)

(writer Yemi Alade)

Papa asante, kweli we ni mungu
Yemi Alade!
Papa asante, kweli we ni mungu

Kama unahusulela lazima utulie
Ujivunie, ubang'aize eh
Baada ya kazi lazima utafute
Uburudike, jiachilie eh

Ila usisahau ooh, si kwa nguvu zakoo
Sema asante, kweli ye ni mungu
Tena si ya hatia ooh, to spend yo money
Sema asante, kweli ye ni munguu

Hata ukikosa ukikosa ukikosa eh
Sema asante, kweli we ni mungu
Na ukipata, ukipata, ukipata eh
Sema asante, kweli we ni mungu

Naziwe drive is suppose to park
is no suppose to lack
is suppose to pack money ebelebe
Imana onye Na-Agba mbo is suppose to hammer,
is suppose to hammer oh
is suppose to make am o ebelebe iya eh

Ila usisahau ooh, si kwa nguvu zakoo
Sema asante, kweli ye ni mungu
Tena si ya hatia ooh, to spend yo money
Sema asante, kweli ye ni munguu

Hata ukikosa ukikosa ukikosa eh
Sema asante, kweli we ni mungu
Na ukipata, ukipata, ukipata eh
Sema asante, kweli we ni mungu

Pop Rosé, no more enemy iye eh eh
Pop champagne, no more complaining eh
If you de live for Kenya ooh, or anywhere in Africa eeh
Make you dey pop anything, cos all na popping
We driving Ferrari oh, cruising Bugatti oh
We rocking Versace oh, forever and ever eh
We going higher oh, we no go retire oh
We getting paper oh, this is my desire eh

Hata ukikosa ukikosa ukikosa eh
Sema asante, kweli we ni mungu
Na ukipata, ukipata, ukipata eh
Sema asante, kweli we ni mungu

Ni mungu eh
Yemi Alade
Merci beaucoup bien!


From http://lyricstranslate.com/en/yemi-alade-na-gode-swahili-version-lyrics.html

Artist: Yemi Alade (Yemi Eberechi Alade)

Album: Mama Africa (The Diary of An African Woman)

****
SELECTED COMMENTS ABOUT YEMI ALADE'S "NA GODE" (discussion thread for the official YouTube version)

From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8dqVuHmj5k

2016
1. Adele Hector
"Na Gode is thank you in the Hausa language. I am Hausa so I know everything she is saying and that is the only Hausa included really. Hope that helps answer your question. 👍🏻"

****
2017
2. kiki Viki Miss UNIVERSE
"I'm Haitian i'm in love with African music can somebody tell me what chineke, olouwe Na Gode mean please. Sorry if i don't write them correctly."

**
Reply
3. The Observer
"Chineke is from the Igbo ethnic nationality from Nigeria, means God

Na Gode is from the Hausa/Fulani ethnic nationality from Nigeria, means Thank you.

Oluwa is from the Yoruba ethnic nationality from Nigeria, means God as well.

Basically, she is grateful to God for she has achieved, and that regardless of whatever your situation one finds him/herself, you should always be grateful to God.

Cheers :)"

**
4. Andreline MKS
"gode means god?"

**
Reply
5. Samuel kings
"Andreline MKS gods means "Thank you" , Oluwa is a Yoruba language which means "God", so the line says Thank you God"

**
6. Abdullahi Adamu
"It's a combination of all Major Nigerian languages(Hausa,Yoruba and Igbo) with Nigerian Pidgin English. Very few Nigerian musicians sing in a single language, its always a buffet of languages”

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SELECTED COMMENTS ABOUT YEMI ALADE'S "NA GODE" (discussion thread for the YouTube official video [Swahili version]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_7fy-UiHfM

2016
Zuhkey
"For my dear friends who don't know the meaning of the song, I'll try to translate the chorus part (I'm not that fluent in swahili)
"Even if you miss it, say Asante (thank you) , truly you are God.
Even if you get it, say thank you, truly you are God" ❤"

**
joan kinyua
"Say thanks to God whether you get what you want at the end of the day or not because He is God!"

****
2017
Alexandra Onwualu
"In Hausa/fulani Language "Na Gode means Thank you""

**
BISEKO BERNARD
"Moha M. Iam Tanzania "Ahsante" in swahili which is "Nagode" in your language means the same. So the phrase oluwa Nagode is ahsante Mungu."
-snip-
This comment was written in response to a request for information about the meaning of the song from Moha M. "Ashante" is usually given in English as "asante". The English translation for "asante" is "thank you".
Here's information about the word "Mungu" from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulungu:

"Mulungu (also spelled Murungu, Mlungu, and in other variants[1]) is a common name of the creator deity in a number of Bantu languages and cultures over East and Central Africa.[2][3][4] This includes the Nyamwezi, Shambaa, Kamba, Sukuma, Rufiji, Turu, and Kikuyu cultures.[3][3][5] Today, the name "Mulungu" is also often used to refer to the Christian or Islamic God. The Swahili word for God, "Mungu", is a contraction of the original form "Mulungu", which still appears in Swahili manuscripts of the 18th Century.[1]"

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This concludes Part I of this two part pancocojams series.

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Visitor comments are welcome.