Yoruba scholar Òjíṣẹ́ Ìṣẹ̀dálẹ̀ honors Professor Wole Soyinka with ‘Abiku’ translation on 90th birthday

October 25, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

A renowned Yoruba scholar, Olubunmi Olukanni, popular known as Òjíṣẹ́ Ìṣẹ̀dálẹ̀, has paid tribute to Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka on his 90th birthday by translating his iconic poem, Abiku, into Yoruba.

As a prominent Yoruba writer, poet, orator, and social commentator based in California, USA, Olukanni has dedicated himself to promoting Yoruba cultural values and heritage.

He serves as Public Relations Officer for Egbe Ọmo Yoruba and Ẹgbe Ọmo Ìjesa in California.

Olukanni’s writings are characterized by their lyrical, introspective, and incisive style, often focusing on culture, identity, and social justice.

He is a passionate advocate for African cultural heritage and identity, reflecting this commitment in his work.

With his mastery of Yoruba, Olukanni skillfully translated Abiku to ensure a seamless flow for listeners and readers, preserving the poem’s essence and cultural significance.

Abiku’s first stanza by Soyinka reads:

‘In vain your bangles cast

Charmed circles at my feet

I am Abiku, calling for the first

And repeated time’

And Òjíṣẹ́ Ìṣẹ̀dálẹ̀’s translation goes this:

Òfúùtùfẹ́ẹ̀tẹ̀ niẹ̀gbàọwọyínńṣe

OògùnOlobiripotí ẹ nsọimọ́ mi lẹ́sẹ́.

Èminiàbíkú, tí ó tiwáníẹ̀ẹ̀kíníàtiàwátúnwá

The second stanza:

‘Must I weep for goats and cowries

For palm oil and sprinkled ash

Yams do not sprout in amulets

To earth Abiku’s limbs’

And the Yoruba translation:

‘Njẹ́ mo ń sunkún fún ewúrẹ́, tàbí owó ẹyọni? Fún epo pupa, tàbí eérú didakiri. Iṣu kii màń so itakun láti so ẹsẹ̀ Àbíkú mọ́lẹ̀.’