It still remains no doubt that Nigeria is truly blessed in terms of culture. We have different cultures and practices that connects us deeply to our roots, even before the advent of “ civilization”.
In the Yorubaland, we have a practice that teaches morals, tells stories about one another- tells us about our individual roots and also entertain us. This is Ewi. This is an ancient genre of Yoruba literature. It’s a song -talk type of music that uses high falsetto. Usually, it sounds as if the singer is weeping. Ewi is used to commend good actions within the society and also used to render praise or eulogy to individuals and or families. It’s is the ancient form of our modern” thank you, God bless you”. This practice invokes emotions – for the one rendering and the one(s) being eulogized (Head swelling). It is still commonly done at our traditional ceremonies like naming, wedding and funeral ceremonies.
Just as the saying “ anyone who forgets his root can be compared with that whi has no heritage”, when we talk about Ewi chants today, there are people that have kept this tradition safe, even in the face of “civilization” throughout the world. They are:
- Baba Ajobiewe: This A-list poet was born as Sulaimon Ayilara Aremu in October 8,1955, in Ila-Orangun, Osun state. Although Baba Ajobiewe was born into Yoruba oratory chants, his first official performance was at the age of 7. Baba got the nickname “Ajobiewe” on his refusal to be addressed as “Akigbe”, like chanters used to be called. Baba is a culture promoter and preserver, known for his eloquence and vast knowledge of Yoruba culture and poetry. Baba, with his voice, has serenaded and culturally impacted audiences both home and abroad. Baba is well sought after by the crème de la crème of the society.
- Azeez Ajobiewe: As the name shows, he’s a culture- preserving stem from Baba Ajobiewe. The October 10 born chanter, just like baba is known for his performances that foster true acknowledgement, appreciation and understanding of Yoruba culture. His performances are a testament to his unending commitment to preserving and supporting Yoruba heritage. Azeez Ajobiewe is very knowledgeable in weaving words into chants that keeps his audience mesmerized and the Yoruba tradition alive.
- Mama Oriki: Born as Faosiyat Motunrayo Ewebiyi on September 22. Mama Oriki is a graduate of Creative Arts, from University of Lagos and has been delivering oratory chants for 37years. She is the founder of “Mama Oriki and Alayo voices”. She’s an award-winning cultural crusader and Ewi exponent, known for her reverence to “Olodumare” (Almighty God). She’s known for her vast ability to deliver yoruba land Oriki and panegyric. She hosts an annual event “ Ogo Yoruba gbode”- an event that promotes the richness of Yoruba culture to youths, rejuvenate the Yoruba culture and also promote the sense of belonging for Yorubas, both home and abroad. Her sonorous Ewi chants are more than enough to keep restless audience glued to their seats.
- Remmy Chanter: Hails from Ibadan and was born as Remilekun Mariam Kasali. She’s an A-list Yoruba poet that’s is vibrant in oral artistry that has left and imprinted marks in Nigeria and across Africa. She’s a well sought after akewi that possess the ability to beat drums, dance and sing. She began her oratory chants journey in 2010 and has won several awards that adorns her beautiful career. She’s the CEO of Remmychanter Asatainment, a Yoruba culture troupe that takes delight in delivering unparalleled cultural entertainment and knowledge. She always leaves her audience wanting more.
- Beriola Ayansina Entertainment: Born as Khalid Ayanshina is popularly known as “beca king”. He’s a singer, comedian,an actor and bata dancer with entertaining chants. His debut “better days” that was released on 16th February, 2022, combined the elements of bata drums and Egungun chants that are pregnant with meaning. Beca King is a cultural ambassador that travels within and outside Nigeria to showcase raw talents in terms of the Yoruba culture – typical of a true son of the soil that cannot fade.
- Akewi Agbaye: Ibrahim Olalekan Idris was born on 5th of May. He’s a modernized and dynamic cultural promoter that uses the blend of tradition and innovation to bridge the gap between the old and new generations. Akewi Agbaye has a voice that resonates the rhythm of Yoruba poetic tradition. He effortlessly combined wids to create masterpiece that are connected to our ancient roots. His ability to harness culture into social media has gained him an impressive boast of many subscribers. His journey in Yoruba oratory chants is torchbearer that ensure the flame of tradition keeps burning.
- Adewale Adegunle: Popularly known as “Omoiseowo” was born on October 24. He’s a celebrated Yoruba oratory chanter that has graced several occasions of the rich and wealthy.He has shared stages with various important dignitaries to deliver heartfelt chants that ensure the Yoruba tradition remains vibrant and cherished. His captivating voice brings authenticity and culture richness to everyone occasion he graces.
- Ayinde Chanter: Known as Ayinde Omo Adigbemantu is a thespian that hails from Ilorin. The October 9 born has graced royal audiences with performances and jingles that proves he’s not just a chanter, but a custodian of Yoruba legacy. His oratory prowess has amplified the weight of cultural significance.
- Okoto Akewi: Ogundele Nike Suliyat is a graduate of Linguistics and Yoruba for. Kwara State University. Her chants takes Yoruba culture to the zenith. Okoto* s voice is a bridge between the past and present that shines deeply into the future. Her oratory prowess in the newly released movie “Jagunjagun” is not just a chant but a custody of Yoruba legacy . She’s a true gem whose artistry is filled with profound beauty, wisdom and emotions.
- Ajike Akewi: Born in April 19 as Ezekiel Oluwafisayomi Deborah Eniitan. Ajike meticulously crafts Yoruba words, idioms and proverbs into a rich weave jf Yoruba customs and values. Her chants are not just sounds, butt powerful expressiond of Yoruba wisdom and culture. She has thrilled various audiences ranging from commoners to royalties.
-Adebimpe
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