A Poem: Jogbo

This is a poignant poem recited in the Yoruba movie, Agogô Eewo, which roughly translated into English means The Forbidden African Agogô bell, a percussion instrument made of metal and struck with a wooden striker.

The movie is by master movie maker, Tunde Kelani, who is known for the rich Yoruba culture he infuses into his movies and this one is no exception.

He actually out does himself in this movie. He is one of the few movie makers ensuring that our rich Yoruba culture is preserved. From the rich Yoruba history he showcases, to the eloquent poetic oratory of his characters, not to mention the beautiful scenery he films in, his films definitely put him in a league of his own.

The movie is based on a mythical place named Jogbo, but we all know Jogbo is just another name for the West African country of Nigeria, which has been ravaged by leaders who loot the coffers and collude with foreigners and multinational companies to rob their nation and fellow citizens blind, and stash their ill gotten gain abroad in the western world but in the end the pay for their sins.

The movie is translated into English, so if you don’t speak Yoruba and have the opportunity to watch the film, feel free to do so. You will definitely not be disappointed. The poem, pictures of Agogos and maps of Nigeria are included to make the poem come alive. Enjoy!

Jogbo

Olojumeji ashe ese odo - A two faced person will be successful at the river bank

Olojumeji ashe Kaduna - A two faced person will be successful in Kaduna ( A state in Northern Nigeria)

Bi eniyan oloju mejila - If a person doesn’t have twelve faces

Kole she ilu Jogbo - The person can’t be successful in Jobgo

Elenu meji ashe Ibadan - A person who speaks through both sides of their mouth will be successful in Ibadan ( A major city in Oyo state, Nigeria)

Elenu meji ashe Eko - A person who speaks through both sides of their mouth will be successful in Lagos ( The former capital of Nigeria , a major city and state in western Nigeria)

Bi eniyan oni enu mejidilogun – If a person doesn’t speak through both sides of their eighteen mouths

Ko le she ilu jogbo – The person can’t be successful in Jogbo

Olowo meji ashe ekiti – A double dealing person will be successful in Ekiti (A former city and now a state in western Nigeria)

Olowo meji ashe egba – A double dealing person will be successful in Egba (A city in Ogun state in western Nigeria)

Bi eniyan oni owo merin lelogun – If a person doesn’t deal in twenty four ways

Kole she ilu Jogbo – The person can’t be successful in Jogbo

Jogbo bi Orogbo – Jogbo like bitter kolanut

Jogbo re, bi Oro - This Jogbo, like the dreaded Oro Masquerade (A masquerade which doesn’t make public appearances unless something grave occurs and is a taboo to be seen by women)

Tunde Kelani

(Writer, cinematographer and producer)