Oke’s Musings: Poetry, People and Places

Tag: hausa language

  • Reflection: Lafia

    Lafiya The word lafiya in the Hausa language means good. Say hello to any Hausa speaker, and he will blurt out lafiya! I presumed that this was the origin of the name this ancient city held. True presumption or not, I took the city as a harbinger of good, and good it turned out to…

  • An African song

    “Na da oo, O Na da oo! Kuje kusanar!” Bring the cymbals, bring also the gongs Let’s make an African song… Before you hit the cymbal Remember the tune to the Tribal, Twist your palm a bit to the left But hold your strike, yes hold it For I must blow the whistle And introduce…

  • Ina murna (I’m excited) 

    The snaky road twisted, here and there Passing pockets of forests tucked away, And when it ended at the foot of Ugwu Uwaoma I saw the palm trees lead a welcome song At the foot of the hill a banner hung Bearing Mama’s poster and details… *** Now I stand before thee, oh great hill…

  • Ina Murna

    The song on my lips are ones of rejoicing and dancing Come don’t mind the sand storm that bother our gathering My voice is not enough to sing, come join me make merry See the green fields and fine birds have no sorrow, no worries Smile the whole world waits to hear your tale Do…