Songs of a Drummer Boy

A Drummer Boy is one in Yoruba language who recites the eulogy of his roots and history. The poem is just a rendition in praise of the Author's root and tradition. He is a Yoruba, one of the largest ethnic group from western Nigeria. Enjoy!!!!!!

—————

Drummer Boy

Drummer boy

Oh remember the words of the Elders,

“However long the night,

The dawn will break”

Sitting at the banks

Of Osun

Recounting the tale

Of Osun’s beauty

And deity

Even Ogun

In his valor and might

Could not resist her appeals.

Oh Moremi and her natural charms

Is easily not forgotten

Which brought the enemy kingdom

To great harm

Drummer Boy

Drummer boy

O’ remember the stories

Of Olumo’s courage

As she protected her children

From external threats by hiding

Them in her caves

And Idanre’s greatness

When she harbored ancient communities

On her peak

Oh Drummer Boy

Forget not Afonja’s revolt

And how he led

Oyo to its final decline

He was a Traitor

Like Bashorun Ga’a

Who committed treasonable felonies

Drummer Boy

Drummer Boy

You must stand firm

Like Opa’ Oranmiyan

When you face

External invasion,

You must never lose your home

Again

Drummer boy

Oh pour out

Your melodious verse

As You recite the elegy

And great epic of your root

O’ remember the brute

Forces that enslaved the women of Owu,

Do not be dissuaded,

For Owu shall rise again………….

Drummer Boy

Drummer boy

You are a proud son

Of the soil

Omo Ile Ele ga

Oh Drummer Boy

Drummer boy!!!!!

Remember the tales of your past,

Remember your ancestral link

And remember you are a progeny

Of Oduduwa…………….

Remember the myth of

The dancing forest,

Remember the stories and cleverness

Of Ijakpa the tortoise

Drummer Boy

Oh never forget

the moral lessons

Taught in the “Tales by Moonlight”

“Charity begins at home”

For home is where you belong

Let your drum talk,

As it pass down this oral tradition

To the next generation

You are a son of Olodumare

You are a child of God

Drummer Boy Drummer Boy!!!!!

“You shall stand tall if you stand

On the shoulders of your Ancestors”

By David Adejumo

From: Nigeria

Instagram: dave_junior12

Twitter: Davisco81374