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… Continue reading Reflection: Lafia
Tag: hausa language
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… Continue reading An African song
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… Continue reading Ina murna (I’m excited)
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 not withhold it, let it out it is surely well
The wind of stress play with us in the mornings
But, kei! We have the sunless, heatless evenings!
We can stay on the field or under the Cashew tree
Wait now, listen; you mean everything to me
Sanjuma*
Commentary.
Initially I was trying to add more Hausa to the lyrics, but I am still learning the language and so far so good though. Perhaps some day I will be able to write an all out Hausa poem as I did for the Igbo. Another boost to the pen I humbly say! Have fun…
Ina murna: ‘I am happy’ in Hausa language. The Hausa is tribe of Northern Nigeria with several unique tradition and customs.
Sanjuma*: ‘Good bye’
