B'OLU BADAN BAKU, TA NI O JOYE?

Except people in my age bracket and above, many here may not connect with this. But read all the same!

One of the most astounding works of Art from Africa is the Yoruba talking drum. It is an hourglass- shaped wood with an inner cavity, covered on both ends by goat skin, and beaten by a curved stick called gongo. The fact that its pitch can be regulated makes it exceptional as messages to be passed by the drummer to the listeners. There is the Iya Ilu, Omele and gangan with danceable rhythms apart from their messages.

One of the greatest drummers of all times was Oba John Adetoyese Laoye, the late Timi of Ede  who reigned from 1946 – 1975.  He was not just an Oba but also a drummer with jaw-dropping dexterity which brought him a global fame.  He learnt drumming from his maternal home.

In 1955, Obafemi Awolowo’s government popularised Radio system by introducing rediffussion boxes to the Western Region.  The boxes attracted people like light does moth, especially during the news hours.  The popular tune that heralded the news was a creation of Oba Laoye’s drum in 1956.

MI MI DO DO MI MI, RE MI MI RE DO!

This was given so many interpretations which included:

BOLU BADAN BAKU, TA NI O JOYE?-

Who will ascend the throne when Olubadan passes on.

OJOGEDE DUDU, INU N TA BOUN-

He eats unripe plantain and suffers stomach disturbance.

NINU IKOKO DUDU LATI N S'EBE-

Soup is prepared from the black pot.

KO SO NIGBESE NIBI, LO SILE KEJI- 

There is no debtor here, go to the next house.

BELO GBADAMOSI, OLORI OLE-

Belo Gbadamosi - the head robber.

EKO JEBADAN LOWO, THIRTEEN POUNDS-

Lagos owes Ibadan thirteen  pounds.

BABA MUKOKO TITI, GBOGBO EYIN JERA-

Baba smoked pipe for too long, his teeth got decayed.

AT ANY RATE,  WHAT OBA LAOYE FACTUALLY SAID WITH HIS DRUM WAS "THIS IS WESTERN NIGERIA BROADCASTING SERVICE!"

Waww! Yoruba l'ewa pupo. O dun gbo, O si dun ka pelu.

Yoruba language portrays beauty, sweet song to the hearing and easy to read.