₦airaland Forum

onila: students from Junior school in Zimbabwe....did I mention that Zim leads in Literacy rate in Africa?

Surely they won't admit that in mass deception media would they?

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/1520743_496246667159250_126901426_n.jpg

Isn't the literacy rate in Zimbabwe over 90%? That's over the global average, which is 84%.

onila: A tale of two Ghanaians. one plays for Ghana, the other one just make tones of money and send a half of his salary supporting African children.

Both are Honorary African sons.

Strongmen of Africa!!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1465222_10202948058086530_317317187_n.jpg

The guy on the left is Mario Balotelli, a striker for Serie A Club Milan. He was born in Italy to Ghanian immigrants and was later sent to live with an Italian foster family, because of the poor conditions that his birth family had to live in. He's a true icon. He constantly faces racism but takes it in stride and hasn't let other people's ignorance diminish his ability.

Yeah, this story turned out to be a gigantic fake.

rabzy: How ya doing...the best way for me to help you with the pronunciation would have been to send you voice notes, or if you are have an Bini/Esan native that speaks around you there...
I had an uncle from my mom's side who was a famous obo, and we used to go to the village when i was small, some other Obos come around for some festivals and they sing songs and do some displays of power and stuffs like that. i would love to read the book you mentioned....should throw some lights on some things.

Oh, I bought the book on Amazon.com. It wasn't expensive, either.

As for pronunciations, I couldn't ask you to do that. While it would be greatly appreciated, if you had websites or links that has actual Edo/Esan folks speaking, that would be just as good. Movies, television shows, basic teaching lessons. Anything. I can use it all.

Oh, by the way. I've been looking for someone who knows about the native Edo writing system. The old system of colors, lines, and circles. But all I've ever come across was a brief mention of it. I fear this might be something that's either lost to time, or something that's only known by a few people though.

rabzy: Now your questions are asking for answers legends and myths don't care to answer.... .. we would have to embellish the story and agree on plausibles.... but like i said it is your story...you are kind write it as it fits your purpose...if it was history then we would need to be more careful.

Now to the myriads of questions:

I ma not aware of how he got the sword, but we could say he won it from one of his most difficult opponent on earth or maybe we say the guy bequeath it to him as he was about to die believing he would be the most worthy to wield it.... or we could say one powerful medicine man made it for him....warriors and wrestlers dont go for battles without fortification from medicine-men we call the obo pronounced or-bow.

Agbon Elinmi...this one is tough...it would be A as in Apple, english has no equivalent for GBON... but your suggestion should suffice just make the 'g' very soft and almost silent....

Elinmi...E as in egg then 'lean' and then 'me'

Of course she came back and could transform back.

Sorry, I had a feeling I was getting into "the realm of the unanswerable" with my questions. Didn't mean to pry. Just wanted to get as many details as I could, before I needed to fill in the holes with my own stuff.

Also, thanks for the pronunciations. I was more on the right track than I thought.

And surprisingly, I've heard of Obos before; from a fascinating book I read entitled "Kings, Magic, and Medicine" by Chief Dr. Daryl M. Peavy. Who was an American that studied Edo Medicine under an Esan native doctor for years. Where he was awarded the title of Okhaemwen and still continues his research on the Iha Ominigbon/Oguega divination system in Edo State. The book talks a lot about Edo spirituality and mentions some of the various non-Yoruba related gods. As well as some folklore related to them. It was an invaluable resource, for someone like me, who's not a Nigerian native.

rabzy: The Sister was not telling him not to tell the new demons about his exploits. The Sister was just acknowledging his prowess in the song but then warning him that these are not like his human opponents but this is the spirit world and that he cant hope to succeed like he did on earth. But of course you can embellish the story to suit your purpose, its a legend and am sure it has been re-told in a number of ways to kids.

Joromi's sisters name is lost to antiquity

He uses a Sword, but of course the sword is magical to achieve all it did. then Joromi himself would have been 'cooked'.

The name of the spirit world is 'Agbon Elinmi'. Agbon is world, while Elinmi is spirit. so that makes it spirit world. My dad use to scold my sister when we were little calling her Ekhun Agbon Ekhun Elinmi... Which means the laziest of the world and the laziest of the spirits. We laugh over it now a lot.

- Oooooh, I see. His sister was just warning not to lower his guard, simply because he defeated all those humans. And I can just give Joromi's sister an appropriate an Edo name. One that fits her role and personality. Thankfully I have a huge list of Edo names at my disposal.

- The fact that his sword was magical just makes the legend even more impressive. Because Joromi is a normal person, so it's easier for people to put themselves in his shoes. Like a "David and Goliath" type of story. Only African, so it's even more incredible. My only question about the sword is was there any mention of how he came across the it? For example, did he find it in Agbon Elinmi? Or did he carry it with him from home? If it's the 2nd option was it always magical or did it become magical once inside? Or am I totally wrong and he acquired it another way?

- Also, how do you pronounce "Agbon Elinmi"? Is it "Ag-bun El-een-me"? I haven't even tried the Edo dialect yet, because I'm still trying to get the Yoruba dialect and tones down first. Don't want to confuse myself by trying to learn two languages at once.

- Oh! What happened to Joromi's sister? She wasn't left in the Spirit Realm was she? And is her fly transformation one that she can reverse? Because to be quite honest, living as a fly would be horrible!

Sorry for asking a million questions, but I'm VERY detail oriented. I have to be! Because that is what makes for the best stories. Including major details and minor ones.


This is frustrating but also absolutely illuminating, because these are the type of stories should be known the world over! Every African legend that I've heard has been nothing short of "simply fantastic!"

rabzy: Thanks Booshman, you are far too kind.
The 'kese kese' is an imitation of the sound his sword makes when he slashes the demons. its a reminder of his unwavering and unrelenting blows. While the song was supposed to warn him to desist in his mission to death, it rather was spurring him on.

Oh, I see. Fascinating!

Just had a few more questions about the details though, so I could keep my version as close to the original as possible. So people would know what legend I'm referring to. Don't worry if there aren't any answers to my questions. That's where the creative part comes in.

- Was there a reason that Joromi's sister, keep warning him not to tell each new demon, that he (Joromi) defeated all of his human opponents?

- Did the story give Joromi's sister have a name?

- Did he cut each head off with a sword or a knife? And was it magical or a regular one?

- Is there a special name for the location that the spirits and death reside? Like an Edo word.

Also...these multiple-headed demons sound as though they were gigantic. Which is a good thing, because people like to see giants getting defeated in fantasy/folk-lore, by normal sized people.

rabzy: Wow, there is a popular song about him by the Edo high-life musician Victor Uwaifo. You should check out the song and listen to it. One of the most popular high-life tracks in Nigeria.

The legend states that as far as Joromi could remember, he had been warned never to climb a particular palm tree at the back of their house. Joromi was a strong and very stubborn boy. He became a wrestler and defeated all opponents that he met. One day he decided to conquer the palm tree he was warned about and climb it. His younger sister on seeing him climbing the tree turned into a fly and followed him.

When Joromi got to the top of the tree he suddenly found himself in the spirit world with multi-headed demons around him. As an intruder he was challenged and he got into a wrestling match with them. he first fought with a tw0-headed monster and he immediately defeated him and cut off one of the heads telling the demon no one goes around with two heads. Then a three-headed demon took over and the battle continued and became more difficult. Each time a new demon appears to fight, Joromi's sister who turned into a fly will keep singing and warning Joromi not to the demon, that he has conquered all human opponents and these are spirits and this is where death resides.

Joromi instead is spurred on and encouraged by the song and with each 'kese' kese' chorus in the song he cuts off demon heads. Eventually a seven-headed demon came and the Joromi fought bravely and became very tired, he slipped and fell and the demon with only one head remaining came closer to cut off his devastating arms but Joromi kept his arms behind his back and the demon could not pry it off, suddenly he sprang up with another 'kese' kese' and tore the demon's stomach with a blow.

While the demon was writhing in pains, he took the opportunity to try and scramble down the palm tree and get back to the earth, as he was about to escape the spirit realm, the demon lunged after him with giant strides and grabbed him, but he could not get a firm grasp but could only scratch his Joromi's back with his claws.

That is why all humans till today have a groove (i.e the spinal cord groove) in their backs.

That...was INCREDIBLE! Absolutely incredible! I was on the edge of my seat, as I read that. And I was envisioning a truly epic battle. Joromi would be a perfect match for my world's versions of Arhuanran and Makoma, and other super powerful heroes. One question. What's a 'kese kese' chorus? Is that a type of empowering song, that is used to draw strength from when heard?

And I just looked Victor Uwaifo up on Youtube. As I was sitting here and watching him, the skills this gentleman has with playing the guitar almost made my jaw drop into my lap. The moment he began playing the guitar behind his head and was spinning and dancing, he put almost every single western guitarist the past 30 or 40 years to shame. Just that fast.

Also, I am thankful for you Rabzy, my friend. You are a great source of folklore information. Admittedly Nigerian folklore is a somewhat difficult topic to find information on, if you don't come from Nigeria. So you are nothing short of a godsend.

rabzy: That's beautiful, I hope u cud include joromi, d wrestler champion of both d human and spirit world.

Joromi? I've never heard of him, before. Could you give me some information about him? Is he an Edo folk hero, like Evian?

rabzy: Hi Booshman,
Good to hear fom you too. How is your project going.

It's still going on. And strong, my friend. Just finished writing the story and events for my 3rd plotline. (The first time the characters go to Benin, coincidentally.) Three more and I'll have given myself enough headway. So when the comic starts being available to the public, by the time they get to that point in the story, I'll have another 6 plotlines ready.

It's all about staying "ahead of the game."

I could barely get through that book that PhysicsQED was quoting. It's entitled "Great Benin; Its Customs, Art and Horrors". While it was very detailed when it came to things like architecture and other physical objects, it was dripping with arrogance and condescension. As well as having numerous propaganda-like and Euro-centric interpretations, when it came to the reason behind certain events and customs. Not to mention it was filled with statements that contradicted what I've heard from Edo/Bini historians.

Like how the Edo hated the Portuguese. Despite the fact that they worked with them for years, and despite the fact that one of the Edo kings had a child with a Portuguese woman.

Another contradiction was when it came to sacrifices. On one account, it made it sound like they were killing people left and right. By the hundreds and hundreds. While not mentioning a massive graveyard, which would have to exist to contain all the bodies. All this is contradicted though when they said in a later chapter, that the Edo didn't sacrifice many people, "unlike other African groups." Which doesn't make sense, as other ethnic groups were much smaller in number. And if they sacrificed people at a greater rate than the Edo, then they wouldn't have anyone left to sacrifice.

All of which goes against what I've been told about the Edo, when it comes to how aware they were of the concept of disease from rotting flesh and their high level of cleanliness.

So while I appreciate the book and its details about many things, I take almost all of the author's opinions "with a grain of salt"....as we Americans say.

And it's good to see you again, Rabzy and Physics.

Europeans are hypocrites, because, while they get upset with Africans having more than one wife, they protect Europeans who practice Mormonism. A European sub-religion of Christianity that lets pervert men have well over 10 wives, and as young as 13 years old. Look up the Latter Day Saints, that is borderline slavery for women. There are horrible stories where young girls are treated like dirt, and have even pushed into killing their infants, because the husband just wants to keep sleeping with the wife. Which would be hard with a new baby.

I'm a Black American, and I absolutely love this site! The posters here provide a much greater insight into Nigeria than what the biased West allows.

Here's a fantastic hour long video from a scholar who has extensively studied the culture and society of Ancient Benin. Even though she is white, she isn't explaining things from her own Western interpretation. She's actually reciting what she was taught by the descendants of the Benin Empire. She breaks down a lot of the customs and goes into great detail, when it comes to the ranks of chiefs. Everything from what they are, to how one becomes one, to their duties. This is a very informative video, and is a must see. If you want to watch it, make sure your chair is comfortable and you have some snacks. Because if you're like me, you'll end up watching the entire thing in one sitting.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4MaBsqbLMw

Dooyboy: There is a place on Mkar hills in Gboko Benue state where there is a white calabash wit clean water,it is believed to quench your thirst and hunger when you drink from it. The bad thing is when you waste it the gods 'll be angry wit you.

Does this Calabash go by any special name?

On top of stealing from others, they also had to kill off over a quarter of the entire world's population to achieve what they did.

Actually, that's not exclusive to Nigerians. Americans are the exact same way. We always see it as a sign of respect (or arrogance to those who are doing the addressing) to take notice of the professional accomplishments of others.

amor4ce:
If some Igbo migrated from Edo where did the rest come from if not from Edo and perhaps at different times?


By the way, those oyinbo in Israel (Is-it-real not the true Israel) who are calling themselves Jews and are not, are of the synagogue of satan (Rev 2:9 and 3:9)

To be more precise, "Oyinbo" Jews aren't real Jews, because they speak Yiddish. Which is NOT a Semitic Language, but a variation of German. The only Jews who speak a real Semitic language are Middle Easterners and Black Ethiopians. Oyinbo Jews were Europeans who migrated and converted to Judaism during the 8th century. Well after Judaism was already established. There's a reason why they call themselves "Jew-ISH".

rabzy:
An Abiku is said to be a spirit child, sent by his other spirit play mates to be born into a family and terrorize them. The Abiku spirit world is said to be populated by children playing all day long and engaged in all sorts of merry-making. They often choose a rich family and the child would repeatedly be falling sick causing his parents to squander their wealth seeking for a cure.
Eventually at a previously agreed date -especially on a joyful occasion like a festival or marriage- the child would fall sick and die, and then the child would be re-born again and again to the same family until they are totally exhausted emotionally and financially.

Medicine men were totally at a loss to know how to handle a sick Abiku child. All their best efforts hardly work. Abiku so oloogun de ke: The Abiku has turned the medicine man to a quack/fake.

Sometimes when a mother repeatedly gives birth to an abiku, the child is branded at death so that he can be recognizable when he comes back again, and is said that the child are often reborn with the brands. They are often spoilt by their parents in a bid to persuade them to stay. The belief of Abiku was so prevalent that people still bear Abiku names till date.
Names like Durojaiye - Stay and enjoy life, Banjoko - Stay with me, Malomo- Don't go again, Durosinmi - Stay and rest.

The Ogbanje is practically the same phenomenon as 'Abiku' but this is the eastern name and they are often very beautiful girls. My mom told us that when my kid sister was born people used to call her an Ogbanje because she was very beautiful and to worsen matters she often took ill. My mom never believed in the myth.

You can read the Poem 'Abiku' by Wole Soyinka and JP clark and the Famished Road by Ben Okri.

'I am Abiku calling for the first and repeated time',  Wole Soyinka.

As usual Rabzy, you are phenomenal, my friend! Just out of curiosity though, how are these spirit's names pronounced?

Egbere = "egg-bay-ray"
Abiku = "ah-BEE-koo"
Ogbanje = "oh-BAN-jay" (Still haven't perfected my "gb" sound, but I think I get it.)

(Capital letters showing emphasis on syllables)

rabzy:
The Egbere has human features like that of a child, but with enough roughness and hardness that you would know its not human. It goes its own ways and is not violent.

I have not heard of Ahiku, but there is 'abiku' in the nigerian myth also known as 'ogbanje'.

Thank you for the clarification on its appearance and mentality. As for "Ahiku", my limited source might have actually meant "Abiku" and it was just a misspelling. Which is a mistake that can't be made. Especially when it comes to different language/culture. What exactly is an "Abiku" (or "Ogbanje"?

ifyalways:
Booshman why did you delete some of your posts?I find your thread interesting, stop deleting.
And what's "ahiku"? Something different from Abiku or ogbanje/

Oh. I wasn't deleting my posts, friend. I was simply bumping the thread back to the first page, because it was pushed all the way down to page 7 at one point.

.

Yeah, a lot of southern Indian tribes are direct descendants of black Africans.

This is something more black Africans need to do. Re-embrace their native religions, which are far more rewarding, because they are a natural and life based philosophy which works in perfect syncronization with how humans spend their day to day life. Rather than following some imposed and authoritative religion (Christianity, Catholicism, Judiasm, and Islam) that demands you live your life by how some book dictates. A book mind you, that has been changed numerous times by whoever wants to.

.

@ Rabzy

Oh! I haven't stopped in the least bit, my friend! I have been going non-stop!


@ Kodewrita and Rabzy

So what is its temperment? I mean is it hostile towards innocent people, or does it tend to mind its own business around them? (Until they steal its mat.) Going by the descriptions given, it doesn't seem to be hostile. Maybe even defenseless. Also, do they have any physical traits that make them stand out? Horns, pointed ears, less then 5 toes and fingers like humans, odd colored skin, body markings, fangs, etc. . . . . .

Also, since I have your attention do any of you fine folks know of any other types of Nigerian folklore beings? Good or Evil. I've only heard of another called an "Ahiku", (I think that's what it was called) and it's an evil monster that feeds on the young and takes the shape of smoke. But nothing beyond that.

Most of my African folklore being knowledge stems from either Malian or Zulu cultures.

Hello there, I would have posted this question in the religion section, but it seems more of a cultural one. Anyway, I was reading up on Traditional Yoruba religion (Animism) yesterday, and I read a section that talked about some of the spirits from Yoruba folklore/mythology. Folklore/mythology being a topic I love. It went in depth with some different types of spirits, but for others like, the Egbere, it didn't give more than a name. Does anyone have any information on such a spirit? Or know of a source that talks more about (non-Orisha) Yoruba folklore/mythology?

Thanks for your time. 

anonymous6:
I don't believe Ife came from the Arabs or Middle Easterns

I should have clarified that I was mainly aiming my question at Negro_Ntns.

Wait, do people actually believe that Ife (and by extention) Ifa divination was founded by Arabs/Middle Easterners? The latter moreso, is impossible as Ifa had to start in Africa, as Middle Eastern sand diviniation (like Chinese geomancy to the further east) both use base-10. Whereas Ifa strictly uses base-2. It wouldn't make sense for Yoruba to change from the original model, if it was an imported Arabic system. They would have stuck with base-10 since that's what they would be (hypothetically speaking) taught by Middle Eastern traders. It's far more probable to think that Arabs, through constant interaction, picked up the divination system from the Yoruba and merely expanded upon it, by turning it into base-10.

PhysicsQED:
I really have to apologize for the delay. I've been very busy with tests and preparing for the physics GRE, so I did not type up the quotes I found about Benin in books. I'm sorry but I might have to delay that even longer, since I have a lot on my plate right now.

Oh, no worries my friend. I'm not going anywhere. Take your time. In the meantime though, I'm going to try and hunt down those books at a few of the libraries I frequent.

amor4ce:
Ile Ibinu is not the original name. Rather, they say that their ancient name was Idu. Idu is the name of their progenitor.

I meant "previously", not "originally". But my point still stands that Europeans only got "Bini" from "Ubinu".

anonymous6:
A black american telling a Nigerian to get out of a Nigerian fourm, LOL, what a joke

In a Nigerian forum, I think you should take that advise and GTFOH because you are the delusional black american to be going on a nigerian forum and criticize Nigerians or africans on issues we don't care for.

All the other stuff you are saying is irrelevant, I don't care; if it makes you feel better make yourself a award. You talk as if black americans are the kings & Queens of the Black race because your music is admired worldwide and africans should bow down to you guys and we don't, is it by force?.  GET OVER YOURSELF


I think you are blind or have hard time reading because this is what I said about about black american entertainers like Jay-Z and beyonce because of their music they will get admiration but a regular african american that is not a entertaineer no, LEARN HOW TO READ because you just played yourself
I guess it is hard for you to tell the difference when somebody says a African american entertaineer(like Jay-Z, beyonce, and etc) is admired vs. a regular african american person that is not

Anonymous6 and other native Africans. Why are you responding to a troll like Kony, who is just interested in stirring up more unneeded animosity between Africans and Black Americans? AS a black American, I can honestly admit that there is ignorance on both sides. But the problem is that it stems from individuals being "comfortably ignorant" and being unwilling to unlearn what misinformation they've been taught. Misinformation that has shaped our opinions that are are nothing more than stereotypes and other type of lazy thinking.

Bini is the white corruption of "Ubinu". The name the Edo's originally called themselves.