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!"

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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 ?"

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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.!!🇬🇭🇳🇬🌍"

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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"

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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"

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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."

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Reply
5. Lucky Omo, July 2022
"@SL  u. Are big. Fool.  When do. Buga.  Become yoruba language.   U. Not. Go. School."

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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."

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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."

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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"

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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."

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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.

Nigerian Hit Song "Buga" by Kizz Daniel, featuring Tekno (official video, lyrics with English language explanatory notes)

Kizz Daniel, June 22, 2022
-snip-
Here are some statistics for this YouTube video as of July 18, 2022 at 12:10 PM ET
total # of views - 27,750,166 total # of comments -19,107

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Edited by Azizi Powell

This is Part I of a three part pancocojams series on Nigerian singers Kizz Daniel, featuring Tekno's 2022 song and video "Buga".

This post 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.

This 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/when-how-yoruba-word-buga-became-name.html for Part II of this pancocojams series. That 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/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, entertainment, and asesthetic 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. 

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INFORMATION ABOUT KIZZ DANIEL & INFORMATION ABOUT TEKNO
Excerpt #1
From https://thescoove.africa/kizz-daniel-buga-lyrics-meaning/ Kizz Daniel “Buga” Lyrics Meaning [Explained] Posted on May 22, 2022By : The Scoove Africa 
…."Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe, formerly known as Kiss Daniel, is a Nigerian recording artist, performer, and entertainer best known for his chart-topping hit “Woju” and critically acclaimed song “Yeba” (May 2018).

Kizz Daniel has his own record label, Fly Boy Inc., which he founded. Kizz Daniel was born in the Nigerian state of Ogun"...
-snip-
Click https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kizz_Daniel for more information about Kizz Daniel.

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Excerpt #2
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tekno_(musician)
"Augustine Miles Kelechi (born December 17, 1990), popularly known as Tekno, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter.[1]

[...]

Born - December 17, 1990 (age 31)

Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria"...

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LYRICS - BUGA

(written by Tekno and Kizz Daniel)

[Intro: Kizz Daniel]
Hey!
Don’t sleep
Don’t sleep
Wake up
Collect your money
Collect your money
Wake up, eh!
Collect your money
Collect your money
Wake up
Giddem

[Verse 1: Kizz Daniel]

Gbe'ra, gbe'ra
Gbe'ra go get that mullah (wake up)
Mo ni ko kala
Kala gb'owo yẹn o
Kala gb’owo yẹn l'ọwọ dealer
You don work, you don try (try)
You suppose to dey j’aiye (j’aiye)
Kilo kan mi kan pesin matter o
Pesin wey don mad, oi
When I land, I land softly on a sofa floor
So far, so good, ko ni baje

[Chorus: Kizz Daniel & Tekno]

Let me see you (go low low low)
Let me see you (go low low low low)
Buga wọn, lemme buga wọn
Lemme see you dey buga (go low low low)
Lemme see you (go low low low)
Buga wọn, lemme buga wọn
Lemme see you dey buga o (go low low low)
Lemme see you (go low low low)
Buga wọn, lemme buga wọn
Lemme see you dey buga o (go low low low)
Lemme see you (go low low low)
Buga wọn, lemme buga wọn
Lemme see you dey buga

[Verse 2: Tekno]

Gbe'ra, oh ah
Gb'era o
Gbera
Go get the dollar (wake up)
Go baller, kala gb'owo yẹn o
Kala gb’owo yẹn l'ọwọ dealer
You don work, you don try
You suppose dey high
Ki lo kan wọn, o ṣẹ fun wọn
Pesin wey don mad
When I land, I land softly on a sofa floor
So far, so good, koni baje

[Chorus: Kizz Daniel & Tekno]

Let me see you (go low low low)
Let me see you (go low low low)
Buga wọn, lemme buga wọn
Lemme see you dey buga (go low low low)
Lemme see you (go low low low)
Buga wọn, lemme buga wọn
Lemme see you dey buga o (go low low low)
Lemme see you (go low low low)
Buga wọn, lemme buga wọn
Lemme see you dey buga o (go low low low)
Lemme see you (go low low low)
Buga wọn, lemme see me you buga wọn
Lemme see you ooo

[Outro: Kizz Daniel]

(Go low low low)
(Let me see you)
(Go low low low)
(Go low low low)
You don work, you don try
You suppose to dey fly

Source: https://genius.com/Kizz-daniel-buga-lyrics

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE EXPLANATIONS ABOUT SOME OF LYRICS FOR KIZZ DANIEL AND TEKNO'S SONG "BUGA"

Additions and corrections are welcome.

baller = (as used in the lyrics: Go baller) - African American English slang for men who come into money and spends it extravagantly like a rich athlete 
Read entries in https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=baller

**
buga [pronounced booGAH] - "to unapologetically flaunt yourself as well as your success and achievements"
-snip-
This definition is from Heritage Afrique's comment given as #2 given below. That definition conforms with other online sources. Visit Part II of this pancocojams series for more information and comments about the Yoruba word "buga"] 

The information about the correct pronunciation for the Yoruba word "buga" is from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVHj7urXwVE [video & comment]

**
Buga wọn
Same meaning as as "buga" [given above], but with the expanded meaning that you can flaut yourself and your accomplishments because you succeeded (won; deserve it) 

**
Dealer - a referent for a street smart person (This informal term is modeled after "baller" [See above definition, although "dealer" isn't used that way in African American Vernacular English or in other forms of American English 

**
Don = "done" (past tense f"done") [In the context of the words "you don workl you don try:
"you have worked; you have tried [and succeeded]" 

**
Gbera = "Get your ass up"
-snip-
Michael Udeze, a commenter in the discussion thread for Kizz Daniel's official video for "Buga" wrote this definition for "gbera". Google translate gives the Yoruba to English translation "move on"

**
Gbera o = "move on" (with the "o" at the end emphasizing what is said] 

**
Go low low low = dance low to the floor/the ground

**
Giddem = Nigerian Pidgin English for "[go] get them"
 
**
Kala gb'owo yẹn o" - Get your money without remorse 
-snip-
Michael Udeze, a commenter in the discussion thread for Kizz Daniel's official video for "Buga" wrote this definition for "Kala gb'owo yẹn o". Google translate from Yoruba to English gives the translation "take that money" 

**
Koni baji - "not broken" [Google translate from Yoruba to English]

**
Mo ni ko kala - "I said no"  [Google translate from Yoruba to English]

**
Mullah (given in this song as "go et that mullah") = "mullah" is a misspelling of the English language slang word "moolah" meaning "money"

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SELECTED COMMENTS ABOUT THIS SONG FROM THE DISCUSSION THREAD FOR THIS SHOWCASED VIDEO

All of these comments are from June 22, 2022 to July 18, 2022 and are presented in relative chronological order with the oldest comments given first, except for replies.

Numbers are added for referencing purposes only.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLF90M96m2Q   [This is the link to the official YouTube video of Kizz Daniel, featuring Tekno's song "Buga". That video is embedded in this pancocojams post.] 

1. Danfo wahala
"Hey ,

If you are here in 2090 , I was here in 2022 .

"BUGA" by Kizz Daniel and Tekno was a massive hit around the world .

Kizz Daniel and Tekno where among the best Nigerian musicians of their time . In 2022, Nigerian music was a success and it was internationally validated  and we Nigerians were really proud of this achievement .

Hope the world is a better place in  2090 , stay safe and be a good human"

**
2. Heritage Afrique
"For those who do not speak or understand Yoruba (a language of the people native to South West Nigeria), Buga means to unapologetically flaunt yourself as well as your success and achievements. Big thumbs up to TG Omori, dude is clearly the best in the Music video art in Nigeria today. Kizz, the most underrated in Nigeria, never records a bad song, back to back hits.

**
3. Wavecurve
"As a Nigerian who grew up dancing to foreign music, I want to thank the new generation of Nigerians for making Nigeria shine on the World Map. Also, let the record show that Nigerian youths conquered world music scene on their own, without any help from the corrupt and useless Government of Nigeria."

**
4. Valery Njong
"Hit track on fire🔥 🔥 🔥   I sincerely adore the talent, spirit, message, and wisdom invoked to realize this master piece. Kizz and Techno are great artist.Who else noticed the powerful silent message of this art, for our  Nigerian singers using another African country's flag (the Cameroon 🇨🇲 flag) with Oga Sabinus versus the Nigeria 🇳🇬 flag as main flag to showcase throughout this amazing video? It's called UNITY!!! Kudos guys!!!🙌"
-snip-
Oga Sabinus is a popular Nigerian comedian.

**
5. Bam Bam
"I am black American (African American preferably) and I am obsessed with the beauty, culture,  and music of Nigeria and Our mother continent Africa as a whole! Visited Lagos and Abuja last month! Let’s us all unite from the diaspora to the continent! Love Kizz Daniel! Perfect song! ❤️ 🙌🏾✊🏾"

**
Reply
6. Interesting Things To Know
"Nice to hear you visited Lagos and Abuja.... Coincidentally, this video was shot in both Lagos and Abuja.....(The location of the video was confirmed by the video director on his Twitter page for those doubting)... and the abandoned airplane you see in the video (CEO AIRLINES written on it), the airplane is in the Idu Industrial Area, Abuja, Nigeria"

**
7. Bonga Sean Ndhlovu
"The song automatically became the worlds favorite. We also love it in planet Mars keep it up❤️"

** 
8. wnnalis cioov
"Finally Buga is trending #1 best song big up the best musicians of our generation"

**
9. dery juliet
"Please what does the lyrics in the song says."

**
Reply
10. Kevin Kataerr
"@dery juliet  he's saying that you should enjoy yourself you have been through a lot and deserve to have some time out, you should dance, rejoice cus it's that time. Just saying be happy now, you deserve that much after everything you've been though."

** 
11. Rachael P.
"No clue what country or language this is. But it is so beautiful. Idk what he's saying but he can have me as long as he speaks to me in this language. Lol beautiful video and the song is 🔥🔥🔥! Much respect to the culture. 🇹🇹🇬🇾 in da building!!"

**
Reply 
12. olasanoye samuel
"It's Nigeria. The language is Yoruba and Nigerian pidgin English. The song is basically about celebration. Enjoying yourself after working... Dance and go low low low low then 'Buga' which means to boast."

**
13. Neema Jamani
"Dedicado a mi amor colombiano que quiere entender la letra de la canción. Lo que está diciendo es una especie de aliento inspirador para cualquiera que se sienta decepcionado o derrotado después de esforzarse tanto por tener éxito. "Buga" es una jerga nigeriana que significa "presumir" o "estar orgulloso".

¡La canción anima a uno a despertarse, tomarse en serio su fuente de ingresos y ganar su dinero! Ni siquiera te preocupes por la "gente loca" que te odiaría innecesariamente por nada. ¡Sé serio, haz tu dinero y "siéntete orgulloso" de tu logro!

Los africanos a menudo muestran orgullo encogiéndose de hombros. ¡Por eso se encogen de hombros cuando dicen "Buga"! "
-snip-
Google translate from Spanish to English:
“Dedicated to my Colombian love who wants to understand the lyrics of the song. What he is saying is a kind of inspirational encouragement for anyone who feels disappointed or defeated after trying so hard to succeed. "Buga" is a Nigerian slang meaning "to show off" or "to be proud".

The song encourages one to wake up, get serious about their source of income and earn their money! Don't even worry about "crazy people" who would unnecessarily hate you for nothing. Be serious, make your money and "be proud" of your achievement!

Africans often show pride by shrugging their shoulders. That's why they shrug their shoulders when they say "Buga"! “

**
14. ONLINETZMEDIA
"2 weeks are enough to give Kizz daniel 20 million viewers 🙌"

**
15. Solomon Paul
"Song of the year. Who has not heard buga in the world?🤔🤔"

**
16. Koundara Badiar
"Peut être je suis le seul francophone d'abord a intervenir dans cette musique de classe mondiale... j'aime bien cette musique et ces artistes talentueux qui sont Kizz  Daniel Ft Tekno je vous j'aime depuis la Guinée 🇬🇳 🇬🇳🇬🇳😍🙏"
-snip-
Google translate from French to English
"Maybe I'm the only French speaker first to intervene in this world class music... I like this music and these talented artists who are Kizz Daniel Ft Tekno I love you from Guinea 🇬🇳 🇬🇳🇬 🇳😍🙏"

**
17. Brigit Okeka
"We don't understand a thing here but who cares? The beats, voice, dance and video are worth my dancing every day"

**
18. GEMZ
"I see my flag! We definitely jamming from South India to Ladakh! BLess up! 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳"
-snip-
In addition to the India flag, this video showcased flags of various African nations besides Cameroon which is mentioned in comment #-- of this pancocojams compilation. Which flags can you identify?

**
19. Gideon Mathenge
"Should be the world Cup music. #Africa"

**
20. Pepe Kale
"This song just boosts my morale when I'm down, viva l'Afrique !!!"

****
This concludes Part I of this three part pancocojams series.

Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

More Information About The Yoruba (Nigeria) Word Àṣẹ" And Its Equivalent Terms Aché, Axé, and Ashe

Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post provides some information and comments about the Yoruba (Nigeria) word Àṣẹ" and its Spanish spelling "Aché," its Portugese spelling "Axé", or its English spelling "Ashe".  

An explanation for the related term "orisha" and explanations for several other related terms are also included in this post. 

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

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
-snip-
For two previous pancocojams posts on this subjec, click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2020/03/what-yoruba-word-ase-ache-axe-ashe.html "What The Yoruba Word "Àṣẹ" (Aché, Axé, Ashe) REALLY Means" 
and https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2020/03/videos-that-include-yoruba-word-ase.html "Videos That Include The Yoruba Word "Ase" (also given as Aché, Axé, Ashe)" .

****
WHAT THESE WORDS MEAN 
Excerpt #1
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orisha
'In the native religion of the Yoruba people, Orisha (spelled òrìṣà in the Yoruba language, orichá in Cuban practice and orixá in Brazilian practice of Latin America) are spirits sent by Olodumare[1] for the guidance of all creation and of humanity in particular, on how to live and be successful on Àiyé (Earth). Most Òrìṣà are said to have previously existed in the spirit world (òrún) as Irúnmọlẹ̀, and then become incarnated as human beings here on Earth. Others are said to be humans who are recognised as deities upon their death due to extraordinary feats accomplished in life.[2]

Many Òrìṣà have found their way to most of the New World as a result of the Atlantic slave trade and are now expressed in practices as varied as Santería, Candomblé, Trinidad Orisha, Umbanda, and Oyotunji, among others. The concept of orisha is similar to those of deities in the traditional religions of the Bini people of Edo State in southern Nigeria, the Ewe people of Benin, Ghana, and Togo, and the Fon people of Benin.[2][3]

[….]

Ashe is the life-force that runs through all things, living and inanimate. It is described as the power to make things happen. It is an affirmation that is used in greetings and prayers, as well as a concept of spiritual growth. Orìṣà devotees strive to obtain Ashe through iwa-pele, gentle and good character, and in turn they experience alignment with the ori, what others might call inner peace and satisfaction with life. Ashe is divine energy that comes from Olodumare, the creator deity, and is manifested through Olorun, who rules the heavens and is associated with the sun. Without the sun, no life could exist, just as life cannot exist without some degree of ashe"...
-snip-
The bold font or the italic font was given that way on that Wikipedia page.

****
Excerpt #2
From https://www.reddit.com/r/capoeira/comments/4gjjrf/what_does_ax%C3%A9ach%C3%A9_mean/ Posted byu/Chaos_Archangel, 2016
1. "What does axé(aché) mean?

In my class, I was taught that aché (which usually accompanied a handslap + fist-bump greeting) meant "love and respect" or "one love."

But something nagged at me today to go look up the official meaning of the word... and I couldn't really find one until I came across this:

"The term axé (also spelled aché or ashé – all pronounced ah-SHEH) comes from the Yoruba peoples of Western Africa. It is the name they gave to the life force; the concept is similar to the Eastern idea of qi. In capoeira today, axé has come to mean something like “energy.” If a roda has a lot of axé, it means it has good vibes, powerful energy. Some groups use the word as a greeting. Some references to axé in capoeira songs... Axé also refers to a style of popular music (not related to capoeira) that originated in Salvador, Bahia. There is also a capoeira group called Axé Capoeira that was founded by Mestre Barrão. - See more at: http://capoeira-connection.com/capoeira/2011/10/what-is-axe/#sthash.ahgnZmxv.dpuf "

 

Is this the true meaning of the word? What does it mean, then, when you say axé to someone as a greeting?

**
2. flamelisk, 2016
"The spirit or the energy of the roda is how we look at it, if a roda has no axé then there's no point of doing a roda. Similarly someone can have a good axé meaning their energy output is good and they are a positive contribution to the roda/class/event"
-snip-
Here's information about the Portuguese word "roda" from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roda_(formation)
"Roda (Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈʁɔdɐ]), meaning "wheel" or, more appropriately in this case, "circle" in Portuguese, is the circular formation within which participants perform in any of several Afro-Brazilian dance art forms, such as capoeira, maculelê and samba de roda. By extension, the whole event may be called a roda (as in "We will have a roda next Saturday"). Likewise, sometimes a roda may not take the shape of a circle; it may be, for example, a half-circle if the event is a public performance, in order for the public to be able to see the performers easily."...

**
3. morto00x, 2016
"The term is used very loosely, but the Yoruba definition that your wrote is correct.

Axé is used to describe energy or good vibes coming from living beings or the Orixás (African gods). When you greet someone with the word axé, you are wishing them good fortune. When someone says the roda has lots of axé, it means that people were happy, music was good, games where intense, etc.

 

Funny enough, I haven't heard many capoeiristas use the word axé (except for songs or M Barrão's group) for many years."
-snip-
These numbers don't correspond to the number of comments in that discussion thread.
WARNING: This page includes one curse word.

****
Excerpt #3
From https://asheselah.wordpress.com/about/whats-an-asheselah/
..."Ashe ( ah-SHAY, also Ase) – A Yoruba word meaning power, command, and authority. The ability to make whatever one says happen. Often summarized as “so be it”, “so it is”, or “it definitely shall be so”.”…

****
SELECTED COMMENTS FROM TWO YOUTUBE DISCUSSION THREADS

These comments are given in no particular order and are numbered for referencing purposes only.

Discussion thread #1 
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMZMiyfTYFs&ab_channel=ProhustlersHaywood "Songs of the Orisha's Mixed By Dj Prohustlers", Sep 11, 2016

1. FLAWDA NAPPY HEAD, 2017
"Ase' to my baba and YeYe! Alafia...."
-snip-
Here's some information about the word "baba" and "yeye" from https://www.zikoko.com/life/oldies/8-yoruba-words-mean-thing-edo/ 8 Yoruba Words That Mean The Same Thing in Edo", Ronke Otega, June 7, 2017:
" "Baba" It means “Father” in both Yoruba and Edo."

"The Yoruba might use “Yeye” more but the words mean the same thing in Yoruba and Edo; “Mother”."
-snip-
"Yoruba" and "Edo" are traditional Nigerian languages.
-snip-
Here's some information about the word "Alafia" from
https://www.facebook.com/575706419187357/photos/pb.575706419187357.-2207520000.1468493353./1067659546658706/?type=3 IFA: Òrìṣa Scientific Spirituality, July 12, 2016 ·
"For many, the Yoruba term "alafia" (also spelled alaafia) is used to mean "inner-peace" and said as a greeting like the use of the Kemetic word "hotep" and the Arabic word "salaam."

In the past ten years, there has been much controversy about the term alafia and whether or not it is truly Yoruba or derived from Arabic.

It is noted that the Yoruba word alafia shares its meaning with the Hausa (Northern Nigerians) word "lafiya" which means good health. They derived the word from Arabic's al-afiyah which means "the good health." When said as "zaman lafiya" in Hausa, it comes to mean innerpeace."...
-snip-
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2017/02/excerpts-from-online-articles.html for more information about the word "Alafia".

**
2. Elemental Wisdom 72, 2018
"Ase! Maferefun Ellegua/Eshu!"
-snip-
Here’s information about the word “Maferefun” from https://www.afrocubaweb.com/ccsmaferefun.htm
… [the word [Maferefún] "is Yorubá and has many meanings -- it is a greeting, it confers a blessing, it invokes the power of the spirit world)"...
-snip-
From https://www.facebook.com/ThirdEyeSpiritualConnection/posts/maferefun-obatala-maferefun-means-go-and-pray-to-since-it-is-a-word-that-is-adde/104918137864804/
"Maferefun means go and Pray to ..., since it is a word that is added to the beginning of mentioning the name of the saint, this word has the power to give blessings, that is, Maferefun is an exclamation of praise to the saint and he has the power to grant us blessings."

**
3. line de oliveira costa, 2018
"axé salve todos meus orixás"
-snip-
From Portuguese to English: “Axé, greetings all of my orishas.”
-snip-
Google translate incorrectly translates the word “salve” as “save”.

Here's a source for the correct Portuguese to English translation of the word "salve":
From https://rioandlearn.com/what-does-salve-mean-in-portuguese/ “What does Salve mean in Portuguese”
…”The expression Salve is used as a synonym to greetings such as Olá and Oi in Portuguese”

**
4. A BuTTeRfLy, 2018
"When you start swaying and tears start falling instantly...Ase' 😇🙏💗"

**
5. pat thompson, 2018
"yes this is my ancestral music i bow  to my ancestors asche"

**
6. Forbidden King, 2019
"Asé iyin fun Orisha
-snip-
Google translate from Yoruba to English: "Asé praise to Orisha"

**
7. Frank X, 2019
"I love all  the Orishas deeply here and in the next life, ase eternally."

**
Reply
8. LUZ DIVINA YEMAYA, 2020
"Ashe"

**
9. Practical Fitness, 2019
"Asè 📿 to my Yeye. Orishas help her Transition with peace and completion of her task. Always in my heart 💜 the song of my soul. #VME"

**
Reply
10. Brianna Salter, 2020
"🙌🏾 asé"

**
11. Vera Allen, 2020
"Ase thank you for this wonderful & beautiful music it's cleansing my spirit & healing my soul. My the ancestors continue to bless you.🎶💞🎶💓👑👑🌹🌹🌹"

**
12. Ahmad Melvin, 2020
"💛💛🧡❤️Blessings to All Ase Ase Ase 🙌🌐📿🤍💚💙💜"

**
13. Shon G, 2021
"Gratitude for all those who came before us and paved the way. Your guidance and protection are greatly appreciated, Ase’

**
14. Amdh Walenda, 2021
"ASÈ to all💖💕🗽"

**
15. Victor Oluwatobi, 2021
"Thank you for doing this for the love of the ancients, homage to the Orishas. Music is not music if it doesn't pay homage to it's root. Asé"

**
16. ishaw, 2021
"Ase remember the ancestors always a call away 🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿"

**
17. Peedi Green Yaddaimean, 2021
"Blessings of our Ancestors,and doi Orishas be upon you all.......ASE'"

****

Discussion thread #2
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5pnjTY0GXI&ab_channel=Yor%C3%B9b%C3%A1LessonswithAd%C3%A9r%C3%B3nk%C3%A9%CC%A9  Yorùbá Lessons with Adérónké̩,  Jul 5, 2019

1. Romiah Armstrong, 2019
"Thank You for this video. With me newly being free from the programming of christianity, I simply replaced "Amen" with Ase. I was using it in the terms of "So will it be"."

**
2. claude reed, 2019
"thanks for the explanation. there maybe another confusion what are the tonal usage with asheh and the difference between ashay and asheh. some i fear don't know the difference."

**
Reply
3. Asabi Fatosin, 2019
"claude reed the diacritical marks give the correct pronunciation."

**
Reply
4. Trevor Prime, 2019
"Please explain what you mean?"

**
Reply
5. Beats Boy, 2019
"Ashay isn't a thing, it's a mispronunciation. It is pronounced 'Asheh'."

**
Reply
6. Yorùbá Lessons with Adérónké̩, 2019
"Like Beats Boy mentioned earlier, those are incorrect ways of pronouncing 'às̩e̩'. 😃 Everyone who pronounces the word incorrectly is trying their best, at least. God bless everyone. ❤"

*️*
7. Lilli L'amour, 2020
"Àse has been said in the US especially by the conscious community since the 60s. I'm glad to know from this video it's been used in the right text."
-snip-
"the 60s"= 1960s

****
Discussion thread #3 [added March 4, 2021]
The Gurunsi Origin Of Tap
Black Angel Media, May 2, 2018

Xeper and Remanifest Think Tank of the esoteric, 2018
"taping the algorithms into the earth! Ase'!"
-snip-
"Gurunsi" are an ethnic group in Ghana, West Africa and in Burkina Faso, West Africa.

****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

2017 Nigerian Afrobeats Record "Wo!!" By Olamide (information, video, & lyrics)

Edited by Azizi Powell

Latest revision: October 29, 2021

This is Part I of a pancocojams series showcasing the Nigerian Afrobeats record "Wo!" by Olamide.

Part I presents information about Nigerian Afrobeats artist Olamide as well as information about Olamide's 2017 song "Wo!!"(rhymes with the English word "oh" with a "w" in front of it). [Additions and corrections are welcome for this pronunciation.]

This post also showcases a YouTube video of "Wo!!" and includes partial lyrics for that song.

According to a number of comments, "Wo" is a Yoruba word that means "Look".

The Addendum below showcases a vlog episode in which a Nigerian woman translates the lyrics for Olamide's son "Wo" into standard English.

Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2019/05/funny-serious-wo-comments-in-discussion.html for Part II of this series. Part II provides a compilation of some of the comments in the discussion thread of the YouTube video for Olamide's "Wo!!".. That compilation focuses on some funny and serious examples of comments from that discussion which include the word "wo". My brief editor's note about this sub-set of comments is also included in that post.

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

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to Olamide for his musical legacy. Thanks to all those who helped produce this embedded video. Thanks also to all who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publisher of this video on YouTube.

****
SHOWCASE VIDEO: Olamide - Wo!!



OlamideVEVO, Published on Aug 16, 2017
-snip-
Statistics: as of May 20, 2019 at 12:00 PM
total # of views - 25,358,130 views
total # of likes - 115,000
total # of dislikes - 7,500
total # of comments - 5,609

****
INFORMATION ABOUT OLAMIDE
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olamide
"Olamide Adedeji (born 15 March 1989), known by his stage name Olamide but popularly called Olamide Baddo or BaddoSneh, is a Nigerian hip hop recording artist.[1] He records mostly in Yoruba, his native tongue. In 2011, he released his debut studio album Rapsodi while signed to Coded Tunes. YBNL, his follow-up album, was released under his label imprint YBNL Nation. The album was supported by the singles "First of All", "Voice of the Street", "Stupid Love", and "Ilefo Illuminati". On 7 November 2013, he released his third studio album Baddest Guy Ever Liveth. The album's singles include "Durosoke" and "Yemi My Lover". On 17 July 2013, Olamide became the first Nigerian to sign an endorsement deal with Cîroc.[2] Olamide has been nominated and won several music awards, including multiple Nigeria Entertainment Awards and The Headies Awards."....

****
ARTICLE EXCERPT:
From https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/wo-olamides-call-streets "Wo!! is Olamide's call to the streets" By IfeOluwa Nihinlola, 31 Aug 2017
"Olamide could phone it in the rest of his artistic career and he’ll still have passed the legendary test. Such is the measure of his influence on Nigerian hip hop, and to a larger extent Nigerian pop culture.

On ‘Summer Body’ the artist known for his manic release of hit singles and yearly albums seemed to be settling, finally, into the mediocrity that has plagued mid-career artists like Dbanj. It appeared he was trading his street savvy for international exposure. He was finally following a trend as opposed to defining it.

But in ‘Wo!!’, Olamide arrests what would have been a sorry development. Here, as in many of his hit songs, Young John (the wicked producer) is doing some heavy lifting.... On ‘Wo!!’, his beat is similar to that made by proto-fuji ajiwere groups that used to roam the streets and beat pots and pans on the streets of South west Nigeria. It is sparse, simple and extremely danceable.

Olamide opens the song with a hook that follows the pulsing sound of a countdown beep. “Wo” is Yoruba for see, but in Olamide’s mouth, as on the streets he swears allegiance to, it is an arrogant, aggressive calling of attention. He punctuates every line with the word. The hook is directed at the listener, demanding that she dances properly—like daddy, like mummy, like a rich man, not like a poor man.

“Won ni wo n wa wa n’gboro,” he says. “They say they’re looking for us in the streets”—a self-referential line that suggests he’s aware of the implication of the bourgeois and sterile ‘Summer Body’....so he knows there should be a search party out for his reputation, even if no one is ready to doubt his abilities or discount his influence. Yet.....

He is back with a promise that there’s room for the commotion he caused upon his entry to the music scene.

[...]

Olamide’s lyrics are filled with obscure references..., both a way of coding his music for his audience on the streets and also making a snapshot of the times he grew up in.

On the last verse, he doubles down, repeating sounds of consonant and vowel pairs—shakiti, faka fiki, a bi di, shaba gidi, waka-wiki, kaakakiki—creating what is close to ena, a form of alteration to defined patterns, which Yoruba speakers use when communicating with the intent of eliminating the uninitiated. It is a strange aspect of the Yoruba language, so why is Olamide doing this?

The final verse of ‘Wo!!’ gives a clue. He mentions Aunty Shakira, a line that can be taken, wrongly, as referencing Colombian singer Shakira, who is famous for her dancing. But Olamide’s Shakira is an elebolo, a more obscure word for prostitute than olosho.

“Aunty Shakira dance shakiti,” he says. She says she likes to “faka fiki”, a sound used by children in describing trains and an adult euphemism for sex. He claims she wants to blow his “kakaki,” a long metal trumpet in North Nigeria.

Olamide has been in PR trouble before for the sexual content of ‘Story for the gods’. So his deployment of coded language limits his audience’s understanding. He sings of a grateful fan who wants to show appreciation.

‘Wo!!’ became instantly popular partly because Olamide asked that dance videos be made and posted online for a prize. The dance videos went viral, and one of them was inserted into the song’s official video. But with popularity comes scrutiny, so perhaps the additional coding in that last verse is deserved.

“What makes the song is the beat,” wrote Adrian Chen in the New Yorker. On first listen, Chen’s aphorism seems true of Olamide’s ‘Wo!!’. But beneath beat and dance, Olamide’s words do more than he’s given credit for.

He is not rapping—at least not in the hardcore sense of the word—but by choosing Young John’s proto-fuji sound, and chanting on it in coded Yoruba, Olamide has sent a dog-whistle to his fans on the streets. He is back to being the local rapper they know."

****
PARTIAL LYRICS - WO!! [Yoruba and Nigerian Pidgin English]
(Olamide)

Wo!!
Oya - wo!

Won ba e wi n’ibi - wo
Ma lo se bi ogoro - wo
Awon omo tikabodi - wo
Ma lo lalakibo - wo
Oya jo bi mummy - wo
Oya jo bi daddy - wo
Oya jo bi olowo - wo
Ma lo jo bi olosi - wo

Olorun awa n’gboro - wo
Won lo ti n miss wa n’gboro - wo
A tin bo Ambode - wo
A de si ma fa gobe - wo
Gbona feli-feli - wo
Chicken peri-peri - wo
Ma wo bi teli-teli - wo"....

****
[English translation]
"Look!!
Okay, look!

They are correcting you here - look
Don't try to behave like a fool - look
All this naughty children - look
Don't behave irresponsible - look
Okay, dance like mummy - look
Okay, dance like daddy - look
Okay, dance like a rich man - look
Don't dance like a pauper - look

God know! we are on the street - look
They said they've missed us on street - look
We are coming Ambode - look
And we will cause trouble - look
Very very hot - look
Like spicy chicken - look
Just be looking like a television - look"....

-snip-
Click https://lyricstranslate.com/en/wo-look.html for the complete lyrics to this song.

****
ADDENDUM: VIDEO
[July 9, 2019]

Olamide - Wo! || Translating Afrobeat Songs #2




Diamante Box, Published on Jan 4, 2018

Happy new year guys! Today we're translating Olamide Wo! This was a very interesting song as the majority of the words made little sense lol but I hope you're entertained by the video.
-snip-
This is a vlog episode by a Nigerian woman translating the lyrics to "Wo" into English

****
This concludes Part I of this pancocojams series.

Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

Examples Of The Vernacular Sayings "Killing It", "Killed It", "She Killed Me" In YouTube Discussion Threads For A Nigerian Dance Challenge Video And/Or A Nigerian Afrobeat Video

Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post documents selected examples of forms of the African American originated idioms "killing it", "killed it " and a form of the expression "I'm Dead" in discussion threads for a Nigerian based YouTube dance challenge video and/or a Nigerian Afrobeat music video.

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

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who are featured in these showcase videos. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post, and thanks to the publisher of these videos on YouTube.

****
This post is part of an ongoing pancocojams series on linguistics. Pancocojams' linguistics posts document and consider aspects of language use among African people and/or people of African descent, including traditional African languages, African American Vernacular English, Caribbean Patois, African Pidgin English, and other Pidgin languages.

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/06/what-killing-it-means-how-it-got-those.html for a related 2013 pancocojams post entitled "African American Vernacular English: What "Killing It" Means & How It Got Those Slang Meanings".

Also, click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2017/03/africans-use-of-african-american.html for the March 22, 2017 pancocojams post "Africans Use Of African American Vernacular English Terms In The Discussion Thread Of Skales' "Shake Body" Official YouTube Video (Part I: A-K). Skales is also a Nigerian recording artist. The linked post documents examples of comments from that video's discussion thread that contain "killing it" and other African American originated vernacular sayings.

****
SHOWCASE VIDEO #1: Who Killed Makolongulu? 1,2,3 or 4?


BM Official Published on Aug 21, 2016

Comment below on who killed this dance!
-snip-
"Makolongulu" is a Nigerian dance. I think it is the same as or very similar to Ndombolo.

BM, a Nigerian Afrobeat recording artist, has several other "Who Killed ___?" compilation videos. These videos are short clips of (usually) women dancing a particular type of Nigerian dance. Viewers are then asked to indicate which dance they believe danced the best (i.e. "killed it".) The background music for each video is a song that BM recorded.

****
SELECTED EXAMPLES OF "KILLED IT" AND "__ KILLED ME" FROM A DISCUSSION THREAD FOR A NIGERIAN DANCE CHALLENGE VIDEO
Vernacular terms often have more than one meaning. The vernacular meaning of "killed it" that is pertinent for this post is "did something very very well".

Several comments in this section document the use of "[she] killed me". That vernacular form of "killed" appears to denote that the commenter has a very strong amount of attraction for the woman (who kills him) because of her physical beauty and sensuality.

Or

In the context of these examples in which viewers were supposed to indicate which dancer "killed it" (danced the best), the term "[__] killed me" may mean that person filled them with strong positive emotions because of the quality of the person's dancing or some other reason/s besides the dancer[s]' physical beauty and sensuality.

I don't believe that this vernacular form [i.e. "she or he killed me"] with either of those positive meanings is found among African Americans or other Americans.

file:///C:/Users/azizi/Downloads/USA-Idioms%20(3).pdf "US Slang, Idioms, or Other Frequently Heard Expressions" gives this meaning for the similar American idiom "You kill me": "You are very funny OR you are making things difficult for me"
-snip-
Like all of these "killing" sayings, "You kill me" is a figurative saying (since they don't really mean that anyone will be or has been physically murdered). An explanation for the second meaning of "You kill me" (as given above) in the United States is that a person caused trouble or the potential for trouble because of his or her foolish words or actions.

Here are selected comments from this showcase video's discussion thread.

These examples are given in chronological order with the oldest comment given first based on its publishing month/year. Numbers are assigned for referencing purposes only

1. BAMUJOBS, 2016
"1 killed Makolongulu, but 4 killed me. She's fyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyn."

**
2. Luke Diego, 2016
"number 1 oooo, she killed both makolongulu and me"
-snip-
Regarding the "oooo"s in this comment, if I understand it correctly, in Yoruba language, one or more "o's at the end of a sentence or a statement emphasizes that sentence or statement.

**
3. Marsha Anis, 2017
"1she killed. she flow like liquid.."

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4. Montoute jonathan, 2017
"i think exactly the same lool #4 killed me alsoo she's so beautiful"
-snip-
I think "lool" is the text/internet term "lol" ("laughing out loud")

**
5. Amisa Kumwene, 2017
"2&4 killed me"person f

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6. Madam Africa, 2017
"If you a fool if you did not pick #1 honestly she murder it like come on now give credit where it is due"

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7. Anime god, 2017
"1 killed that all the way"

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8. Zaafirah013
"1 was the best. My favorite. She killed it. A natural."

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9. Yacouba Bogre
"3 killed makologulu"

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10. Dougie DoinIt
"they all killed it nobody in native USA can do it"

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SHOWCASE #2: Falz - Marry Me (Official Video) ft. Yemi Alade, Poe



Falz, VEVO Published on Dec 5, 2014
-snip-
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2017/09/falz-featuring-yemi-alade-poe-marry-me.html for Part I of a two part pancocojams series about this song. Part I includes this video and lyrics for this song. The link for Part II is included in that post. Part II includes selected comments from this video's discussion thread and from two other Nigerian based online discussion threads about features of Yoruba (Nigeria) language.

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SELECTED EXAMPLES OF "KILLED IT", "KILLING IT" AND "I'M DEAD" FROM THE DISCUSSION THREAD FOR THIS VIDEO
Vernacular terms often have more than one meaning. The vernacular meaning of "killed it"/"killing it" that is pertinent for this post is "did something or doing something very very well".

The only example in this discussion thread that has a form similar to "[___] killed me" is given as #16 which includes the statement "Her Smiles kills me." I think this sentence means that the commenter really loves the female singer's smile, but this form is different from any African American vernacular forms of "kills"/murder etc".

Then again, there is the Roberta Flack hit song "Killing Me Softly With His Song" which I think means that the person making the comment felt such strong emotions while hearing that song that she figuratively felt she was dying.

The African American originated saying "I'm dead" (which is sometimes shortened to "Dead") means that someone said or did something that was or is hilarious. "I'm dead" is a shortened form of the figurative expression "I died laughing" (meaning I laughed so hard [so much] that my stomach or ribs hurt and I felt like I was dying."

Here are selected comments from this showcase video's discussion thread:

These examples are given in chronological order with the oldest comment given first based on its publishing month/year. Numbers are assigned for referencing purposes only.

1. Nalouchaa, 2015
"Loool OMG im dead !!! The end of the video killed me!!! Awesome work guys! Love the song !! Love the video !! Damn there were some handsome men at this reception lol"

**
2. Yama S, 2015
"The ending killed me. I can't stop laughing. I'm surprised I manged to type this"

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3. Ohunene S., 2015
"+ukia Stardoll laff wan kill me.

**
4. EverydaypeoplebyLydia, 2015
"I die oooo .... This guy has killed me .. LOL"

**
5. Adnan Bashorun, 2015
"ma boi falz killed it"

**
6. GushGossipBlog, 2015
"I'm in LOVE with this song & video - hilarious! Falz, POE & Yemi killed it - so refreshing for the Nigerian
music scene <3"

**
7. sight read, 2015
"Haahahahaha #falz no go kill person ooooooh, dis video is so hilarious I really enjoyed it, big up #yemi-alade pon dis one. ..."

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8. YaylowTV, 2015
"Nice work Falz. +Yemi Alade, you killed the hook."
-snip-
"You killed the hook" = You sang the hook (chorus) really really well. An equivalent African American Vernacular English term that I haven't found in Nigerian or other African based YouTube videos' discussion threads is "sang" (in its African American vernacular present tense form, which means "to sing very well, especially to sing soulfully very well.)

**
9. dpencilpusher, 2015
"Falz, Yemi & Poe killed it. Video goes too well with the song. Watched it 3 times already; cracked me up each time. Also, big kudos to the actresses who synced with the lyrics, they nailed it."

**
10. timithankgod, 2015
Hahahahahahahahahahahahah i don die o... funny video
-snip-
I think that the equivalent African American vernacular saying for " i don die o" is I’m dead” which also later evolved to "Dead".

**
11. Ifeanyi Ilogbaka, 2015
"Yemi alade killed it on this one.she is the reason I like d song"

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12. garba baba, 2015
"Love this song, they kill it all"

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13. Child Of The Rift, 2016
"LMAO You just mudered me!"

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14. Tobi Daada, 2016
"Falz. Killing it on a steady."

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15. Adesewa, 2016
"oh my gosh this video killed me"

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16. Victor PANCHO, 2016
"OK, i give up... i cant stay quiet, i dont know which i like here on this video, is it Falz, Yemi Alade, Poe or Poe's Bride?? I'm so thrilled by that bride, Her Smiles kills me... That make up on her, Golden!! Wetin!? How una jst deh make my heart pound andytime i watch this video!!???"

**
17. Elizabeth Onyekwere, 2017
"OMG.....Laugh wan kill me die...hahahahaaa..why did she faint lol?"

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Thank you for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

Comments About Yoruba "H Factor" & Other Yoruba "Lingo" In Falz's "Marry Me" Song (Nigeria, West Africa)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This is Part II of a two part pancocojams series that features the 2014 Nigerian Afrobeat/Rap song "Marry Me" by Falz featuring Yemi Alade, and Poe.

Part II features selected online comments about what is commonly referred to as the "H factor" among Yoruba people (Nigeria, West Africa). These comments are culled from the YouTube discussion thread for the official video of Falz's "Marry Me" song and from three other Nigerian based online discussion threads.

Part II also includes selected comments from the YouTube discussion thread of Falz's "Marry Me" video about other aspects of language use by Falz and by other "Marry Me" performers.

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2017/09/falz-featuring-yemi-alade-poe-marry-me.html for Part I of this series. Part I showcases a video of "Marry Me" and provides the lyrics to that song from an online page. This post also includes [possible] meanings for Yoruba or Nigerian Pidgin English words/phrases using Google Translate and various online Nigerian Pidgin English pages. Additions and corrections are very welcome.

Also, click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2017/09/examples-of-vernacular-sayings-killing.html for other selected comments from the discussion thread of the official video of Falz's song "Marry Me".

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This post is part of an ongoing pancocojams series on linguistics. Pancocojams' linguistics posts document and consider aspects of language use among African people and/or people of African descent, including traditional African languages, African American Vernacular English, Caribbean Patois, African Pidgin English, and other Pidgin languages.

DISCLAIMER: I'm not a linguist and the only language that I understand is English (including some forms of African American Vernacular English).

I had never heard of "H Factor" until I read comments in the discussion thread for Falz's "Marry Me" song,.

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

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.

Click Part I of this series for the official video of Falz (featuring Yemi Alade and Poe)'s song "Marry Me". Part I also includes lyrics for that song (in English, Nigerian Pidgin English, and Yoruba) as well as some explanations for the Yoruba and Nigerian Pidgin English words & phrases in those lyrics.

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SELECTED COMMENTS ABOUT "FACTOR H" FROM TWO NAIRALAND.COM DISCUSSION THREADS
The comments in each Excerpt are given in chronological order and are numbered for referencing purposes only.

EXCERPT #1:
From http://secretlilies.blogspot.com/2011/11/h-factor.html
Saturday, November 26, 2011
"The "H" factor
..."When I talk about the "H" factor, I mean the fact that when people talk they can't pronounce words that start with the letter "H". For instance instead of saying "house" they pronounce it " ouse", leaving the "h", where I do not know.

[...]

The reason why they do this is cos for instance in the Yoruba language if I am not mistaken there isn't a letter "H". Its like it just vanished into thin air..LOL. So it is quiet difficult to transit from the rules in Yoruba language to the rules in the English language.

[...]

In the french language the letter "H" is silent for instance the word " Haricot", which means beans (don't forget that every word has to be spelt with an article), is pronounced "aricot". Now when the french converse in English they find it difficult pronouncing the letter "H", which isn't silent or hidden but present in the English language.

The truth:

Yoruba language is very similar to the french language but when the Yorubas pronounce English words without the "H" etc we see this as being razz, local, bush, uneducated etc.. but when the french make the same mistake it goes this way: " oh you know English isn't their first language, its allowed."..
-snip-
Selected Comments:
1. CheNovember 27, 2011 at 1:33 PM
"LOL @ the H factor. I laugh whenever i hear it. The igbo's also have their own too. Some mix the "l" and "r". E.g., instead of saying *I want to cross the road*, it comes out as *I want to cross the load*. lol (I'm igbo so i'm not hating :-)). Thanks for stopping by my blog. Following you right back.

naijabankgirl.blogspot.com

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2. Amaka's NotepadNovember 29, 2011 at 3:09 AM
"lol. Yeah, ibos have the 'R' and 'L' issue, the Hausas - 'P' and 'F' (Progrss promounced 'frogress'), Yourubas - Loss of 'H'('ouse) and 'SH' (which comes out as just 'S' for ibadan people. making Shoe sound like 'sue') Then we have the Akwa-Ibom people who have a 'J' to 'Y' issue (where Junction becomes 'yunction' and John become 'yohn') That is what makes Naija so unique, Diverse yet one country.

UP NAIJA!!!!"

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EXCERPT #2
From http://www.nairaland.com/229011/whats-h-factor
1. Whats With The H - Factor ? by Nobody: 4:18pm On Feb 04, 2009
"dis is really getting serious, everyday when i walk on the road i hear people saying a lot of scary words, like instead of egg, i hear hegg, or hold man instead of old man. then i also hear eaven instead of heaven or appy instead of happy.

pls i am not trying to discriminate but is they no way we can help the situation"

Comments pls,"

**
2. Re: Whats With The H - Factor ? by spikedcylinder: 4:23pm On Feb 04, 2009
"I think its because there's no "H" in the Yoruba language so people try to compensate on way or the other. cheesy"

**
3. Re: Whats With The H - Factor ? by folkzy(f): 10:31am On Feb 05, 2009
"As a matter of fact, it has something to do with where your from. For Yoruba people, there is no H in their language, hence why some people find the hard to pronounce the 'H' sound or use the H sound wrongly. I used to be a typical example, i was taught the right way whilst working in a primary school as some children used to correct me which was embarrasing."

**
4. Re: Whats With The H - Factor ? by youngies(m): 11:10am On Feb 05, 2009
"Be it Yoruba 'H' factor, Hausa 'F' factor or Igbo 'R' factor, I don't have any problem with it, but I always feel scandalized when I hear it on TV or Radio from News casters. It shouldn't be excused from them."

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5. Re: Whats With The H - Factor ? by youngies(m): 12:41pm On Feb 05, 2009
"It bothers me when I hear it on air, it is happauling you know! Grin"

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EXCERPT #3
From http://www.nairaland.com/3138313/test-h-factor
1. Test If You Have H-factor by dadee007(m): 4:58pm On May 31, 2016
"H-Factor is when someone has trouble pronouncing words that have the letter H in them or pronouncing words that do not have the letter H in them as having the H sound. You can test yourself and check your H-factor-compliance by reciting aloud, the sentence below in 5 seconds. If you have difficulty reading it out aloud correctly, you have the dreaded H-factor. But not to worry, at least you now know and you can retrain yourself to lose the H factor. Cheers.

It is advisable to have someone with you to monitor your compliance. Have Fun! courtesy laffhub.com.

''Our hot air hostess handed us hot oats, as she had in her hand our air fare.''"

**
2. Re: Test If You Have H-factor by Ultimus: 5:52pm On May 31, 2016
"If you have any difficulty reading aloud the statement it might be because the statement reads like a tongue twister and not really due to having h factor. I suppose a proper oral English test should be an accurate determinant."

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3. Re:Test If You Have H-factor by Phonefanatic: 5:53pm On May 31, 2016
"Who H factor help in this harsh economy?

You guys shouldn't get me angry this evening oo"

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4. Re: Test If You Have H-factor by Nobody: 5:54pm On May 31, 2016
"It's more common among the Yorubas; just as the Igbos find themselves in between Scylla and Charybdis when they have to pronounce words that begin with the letter 'R' or 'L'."

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SELECTED COMMENTS ABOUT THE "H FACTOR" AND OTHER SELECTED COMMENTS ABOUT PRONUNCIATION
From the YouTube discussion thread of the official video for Falz's "Marry Me" video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UzlN0AbPgQ

These comments are presented in chronological order based on their publishing date with the oldest comments by year given first, except for replies. Numbers have been assigned for referencing purposes only.

Read the lyrics and the Nigerian Pidgin English definitions that are given in Part I of this pancocojams series for explanations about some of the comments that are found below.

1. Muyi Ibidun, 2015
"It interesting to see that a lot of people jumped on the bandwagon of tribal bashing based on the way this act has chosen to sing in very strong Yoruba accent. FYI, IT IS DELIBERATE. If you dont know Falz, then you need to do your home work. He is a UK trained and certified Lawyer, he speaks correct and normal English off camera. Speaking in strong Yoruba accent is his selling point. You need to check him out on Instagram where he has a lot of comedy skits and fans.

And by the way, I really dont see the big deal in singing in unadulterated Nigerian accent. Americans dont sing to pacify nobody. If you dont understand what he is saying, better you enjoy the sound or move on to some other videos. Expressing disappointment that an African artist sing in too strong African Accent is very lame.

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Reply
2. Mansa Koabi, 2015
"+Muyi Ibidun Tell them nwanne preach."

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Reply
3. Ajojocraig, 2015
"Tell them oo. The ones that know how to speak correct English. Mcheww

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Reply
4. Alexander Odofin, 2015
"I'm only mildly amused. The music isn't for everyone. Complaining about his accent is pure ignorance, coupled with a finite dose of inferiority complex."

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Reply
5. Afrimedia, 2016
"+Muyi Ibidun Muyi don't worry yourself.....it is you making it an issue....we don't need any explanation, on whether he can speak Queens English or not , Falz is really HOT right now, he is great. This Jam is smoking , Vid is hilarious ! Its all good."

**
Reply
6. Antoria Lee, 2017
"Maaaaaaaaan I'm a super southern American (accent and upbringing) but this speaks to my soul. Imma learn Yoruba and neva look back.

Btw I understand all of it, if you don't, oh wells this song is 💣"

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7. ACCRA [dot] ALT Radio, 2015
"Hey from Accra! We love Falz in Ghana particularly because of this "accent" that folks don't seem to be happy with.Why? because it's such a beautiful representation of a manner of expression that is prevalent throughout the continent. Africans have a unique way of speaking and we embrace it. We don't have to sound any other way but like ourselves.This fascination with the english language as a measure of intelligence and social acceptance is most unfortunate."

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8. Lanre Koby Shonowo, 2015
"Love how he brought the Naija lingo in the song i.e you know my (h)age, I'm twenty (h)eight...attention to detail lol...

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Reply
9. Natalie C, 2016
"He is doing it on purpose...listen to him speak in real life and you'll understand"

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10. Akinola Ogunseitan, 2015
"This video is so funny, the obvious H factor was on purpose.
Love the story line."

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11. omaricha, 2015
"yoruba people and H syndrome! What the hell is "follow me OME" and Twenty Hate??? Lol Razz people. Hincedent! Hingredient! Lmao!"
-snip-
Note: "Omaricha" is an Igbo name.

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Reply
12. omaricha, 2015
"+Obeth Lalas Lmao! I touched a nerve....hahaha U must have H factor"

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Reply
13. Samuel kings, 2015
"+omaricha You two should be ashamed of yourselves, as a Nigerian who has been living in the USA for more than a decade, it's a shame that i come on you-tube to enjoy good African music, and here i see two people from same country insulting themselves over minor issue. What a shame"

**
Reply
14. akoms1, 2015
"Pls forgive us. I apologise on behalf of all Yorubas. But you sure know that the igbos are more enlightened and better than everybody. Once again, forgive the Yorubas for not pronouncing an English word properly."
-snip-
My guess is that this comment was written sarcastically.

**
Reply
15. omaricha, 2015
"+akoms1
We Igbos are taking this Hapology Hinto consideration! Hand you will be duly notified!"

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Reply
16. tosan, 2015
"+Obeth Lalas take it easy o.... it was just a joke. Omaricha mean no harm."

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Reply
17. Olu OJ, 2015
"Tosan, that wasn't no joke. Her words are derogatory. It's typical of people from her tribe. Always trying hard to discredit Yoruba's effort."

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Reply
18. latichina5, 2015
"Lmao!!! Omaricha you will feel the wrath of every yorouba people on the Internet."

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Reply
19. Uzoamaka Joe-Nkamuke, 2015
"+Olu OJ Wow!!! so u used the comment of 1 person to describe a tribe of over 30million pple. you r no different from her then."

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20. JustForYou♥, 2015
"Lol the H factor is real...but I love the video"

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21. Tee Jay, 2015
"Lmao.....hilarious video...good job guys! BTW that "H" factor kills me, i cant stop laughing .... twenty "Hate".....see me see trouble ooooo!"

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22. mimisnando, 2015
"It's pidgin English and not Patois or what some people think it is"

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23. Sunny N, 2015
"Hahaha love the ending, by the way what is twenty hate"

**
Reply
24. odinese nwad, 2015
"28...pretending as if u don't know"

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25. Adewanle Adeyekun, 2015
"Poe is a hella of a rapper. Wow, no formed American accent, just pure originality. "

**
Reply
26. MrEdwin10pa, 2016
"Poe's spittin in a nigerian accent is so dope... more like him needed"
-snip-
"spittin" = rapping

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This concludes Part II of this two part pancocojams series.

Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.