“Mbando liyo, liyo” = We sincerely pray that peace and tranquility will prevail.
Prelude:
“Mbando liyo, liyo” = We sincerely pray that peace and tranquility will prevail.
Chants.
(i). “me-singo-wene ! mesa-singo-wene” is a chant and citation of a Traditional Doctor in action on the occasion of re-activating or reconstituting a family shrine – “Yowo ya Litumba”.
The chant reminds members of the family concerned to understand that all of them “sitting on that bench” (Ewonga Mokosa) are descendants from a common maternal ancestor. The relationship that exists among them is built on blood. It can never, never be erased.
(ii) “nowe-mba oo !
wonde-nga notuva liina” = I recognize you; I know you; you are my brother; you are my friend. This is why I have mentioned your name.
(iii). “njuma na-vanga !
mo-nyengi na mo-nyengi
na woyele/woyavi” = I will withdraw if there is a brawl. On the other hand if peace/joy prevails I will continue to participate actively in this ceremony until day break.
Note: This chant is used particularly at a typical all night “efeyo” ceremony (payment of dowry in respect of a teenage girl or a lady who is marrying for the first time). The ceremony commences soon after night fall.
(iv). “yaya ! na mwana, oo-oo-o !
yaya na mwana ! Ameleka oo neni fe ene = This is like a dream; what a pleasant surprise. Oh ! America I have seen this wonderful event/reunion/success also. (manyaka me eya OR manyaka ma lambo).
(v). “yasi nanu !
yasi nanu !
yasi nanu ndi ima-se !
yasi nanu = this is precisely what we have been yearning for.
Note: Applicable only when the purpose for which an assembly is convened is achieved.
Oma Nanu
Imba Thomas Mbua Ndoko
Chicago ILL, USA
Mola Ndoko,
Thank you for your usual jewels on the Mokpwe culture and traditions. You remain a great asset to us all. Those of us in America are lucky that you are here this year at the time we are holding our convention. I hope we can benefit from this by Fako-America giving you an honourable and befiting welcome to the convention and giving you an oppurtunity to personally share face to face with us some of your cultural wealth.
J. Efase Endeley
Posted by: Jack E Endeley | June 11, 2007 at 09:51 AM
Thank you Pa Ndoko,
These chants are marvelously appropriate for the convention. It will be nice to have somebody with a good voice to tune these during the cultural evening.
We could all use some Weleke before the chacha.
Eszuk'a Mbella
Posted by: Robert, E. Endeley | June 11, 2007 at 09:53 AM
Dear Taata Efase
Traditional chants relating to family reunions.
Thanks for your recent words of appreciation concerning my effort towards the revival and preservation of the
language, the traditions and the culture of e-Mokpwe. Greetings.
Oma nanu.
Mbua Ndoko.
Posted by: Mola Mbua Ndoko | June 14, 2007 at 11:23 AM
Dear Mola Esuka,
Thanks for your kind words concerning my recent posting entitled “Traditional chants at reunions”
Oma nanu.
Mbua Ndoko.
Posted by: Mola Mbua Ndoko | June 14, 2007 at 11:27 AM