Here are four popular Bakweri wrestling songs. Singing is accompanied by the continuous drumbeat of the "vii-mbi" and "melomba", as well as intermittent activating sounds from "isee-va"
A wrestling match near Elat in Cameroon in the 1890s (Copyright: Wheaton College)
Song No.1 It was composed more that two hundred years ago and it introduces two prominent wrestlers to the spectators.
"efenda ee,
eveli anu oma,
efenda yamba Njoh a Nyame wona Ngilla,
eveli anu oma,
efenda ee,
eveli anu oma".
(Literally:
A contest or a tug-of-war is taking place here.
It is a contest between Njoh a Nyame and Ngilla).
Note: This is an acknowledgement that the contestants are top-rated wrestlers.
Song Nos.2 and 3 were composed about sixty-five years ago. They are about an epic wrestling match between between Namange and Mwa-ngase, renowned "ngumu" of their time.
"Mwa-ngase, a kpweli esuwa, ae-ya,
Mwa-ngase,
Mwa-ngase, a kpweli esuwa, ae-ya,
Mwa-ngase, a akpweli esuwa ae-ya,
Mwa-ngase".
(Mwa-ngase is crying after losing the contest).
However, Mwa-ngase and his supporters insisted that:
(i) Mwa-ngase was not defeated.
(ii) Mwa-ngase did not cry after the alleged defeat.
(iii) The song was a smart fabrication supporters of Namange to obscure the fact that the declaration by match officials that Mangase had won the contest was shrouded in controversy.
Observation:
It is strange that in spite of the fact that Mwa-ngase and his supporters challenged the allegations and that even though no Commission/Court has ever examined the allegations, the song "Mwa-ngasa a kpweli esuwa, ae-ya" continues to be an entertaining element in contests in Bakweri land. It is furthermore intriguing that this song the status of a warning to litigants and candidates in contests:
"waa ngowa foni oo !
wafe, vasi-ja lowe-mbana mosoko mo kaa-ye,
noma ve-mba-na Mwa-ngase,
vama,
a kpweli esuwa, ae-ya,
nanu ndi ese eveli, wenga, kaaka ndi mwe-ma").
(Be careful. Moderate your emotions, behavior and statements to avoid being the object of mockery, gossip, and false allegations.
Song No.3. Responding immediately to the claim that Namange was the victor, Mwa-ngase's supporters sang:
"Namenge au-wa ndi o-Vausa,
Namenge,
Namenge a leemi ee !
Namange au-wa ndi o-Vausa,
Namenge".
Literally:
Namenge has received assistance from a Hausa sorcerer.
Namenga is funny).
Song No.4 was composed about sixty-five years ago. It is in connection with the contest between two top rated "ngumu" - Manjanga Mosenja and Mulungu Makote. Manjanga's victory over Mulungu was clear and decisive. Manjanga's supporters then immediately sang:
"na vetongo ve gbwe-li,
ve-gbwe-li,
Mulungu Makote,
na vetongo ve gbwe-li,
ve-gbwe-li".
Literally:
(Mulungu has been devastated by his defeat in the championship contest to the extent that he broke his hips. Yes, indeed, they are broken).
Spectators were taken by surprise when Mulungu joined the jubilating group on the pitch and danced with them. The dancers now turned to Mulungu and embraced him warmly.
At that juncture Manjanga the winner jumped onto the pitch. Then Manjanga and Mulungu hugged each other.
That was not the end. Mulungu called for everyone's attention, and then rebuked the jubilating fans in these words.
"Ngumu ndi e-kpweli esuwa,
wenga,
esi-nu mwele foni velange".
Literally:
(You are aware that I am a renowned wrestler, and a powerful force to be reckoned with; there is no doubt about it. I have merely lost a contest; it is a normal occurrence.
The disparaging comments that you are making about me are senseless and uncalled for).
Seemingly touched by Mulungu's declarations, the jubilating gang dispersed in silence.
Oma nanu.
Words to Remember
fee-nda = a contest.
jii-mbi = a wooden drum that is not covered with the skin of an animal; plural "vii-mbi".
molumba = a drum that is covered with the skin of an animal; plural, "melomba".
see-va = a horn of an animal used to produce sound.
ngumu = a champion, a skillful wrestler.
esuwa = a wrestling contest; plural "vesuwa"
kaaye = palaver; provocation.
mosoko = a song.
mosoko mo kaaye = a song that causes palaver.
vetongo = hips; singular, "etongo".
elange = exaggerated display of feelings of satisfaction; plural, "velange"
Oma nanu.
I wish the Convention success.
Mbua Ndoko.
Quite insightful and rich in content.
Posted by: Daniel Njie Mokake Jr | February 22, 2021 at 12:35 AM