But there is one taste that Africa is known for,
This natural liquid drawn from the palm
Sweet as the taste of sleep after a hard days labor
Whitish, an admired mess for the tired old and young
Mmanya, the older men’s African honey
The drink for all, Natures perfect brew
Now we drink to everyones health,
To the health of the village chief,
To the health of the men and women
And the little ones who watch us drink!
But we must let the soil taste what it has given
And then give a short prayer for fertility and joy
The land must grow our grasses and yams
The river shall flow and fishes shall abound
The children must grow like the grass beside the waters
The women must be fruitful and beautiful like that raffia palm
The men shall be strong to till this land and hunt the forests
But we must let the soil taste what it has given
And then our prayers shall be welcomed!
I give you the magic beer!
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Commentary.
Mmanya is the Igbo local name for the beer or an alcoholic drink. The introduction of the kola and drinks such as beer is one of the ways of welcoming guests in African cultures of Nigeria.
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