Entertainment
What I Mean By “Aboru Aboye” – Tope Alabi Explains
Popular Nigerian gospel singer Tope Alabi has responded to the controversy that has surrounded her viral video in which she can be heard singing in Yoruba using the word “Aboru Aboye,” a form of greeting among Ifa initiates.
Alabi sang the line, “Abiye ni mi, Oruko mi ni yen” in the viral video, referring to herself as “ebo,” which is a word that literally means sacrifice. “I am a sacrifice, that’s my name,” said Mo de bo, “Mo ru, Mo ye. I go by the name “I am a sacrifice accepted by God.”
The lyrics had since triggered a flurry of reactions in the media space as her fans and some Christian leaders took sides over her choice of words.
In a video sighted by Biztellers, the award-winning singer who was seen ministering in a white garment church said, “Aboru Aboye” is a pure Yoruba language and not an exclusive preserve of traditionalists.
Alabi who explained with bible reference also clarified that her deft use of the language remained her peculiar style as a gospel artiste.
She said, “It was recorded that David made a sacrifice of faithfulness to God. Why was the word sacrifice not written as the same English word in the Yoruba version of the Bible? It is a Yoruba language. There is no special language for traditionalists. We are all speaking the Yoruba language.
“If some people say they want to use the language in their own style, it is not bad. We have also decided to use it in our own style.”
While reiterating that sacrifices were rendered in the bible, she further queried saying, “Was Abraham’s sacrifice accepted or not? Was it not the same with Isaac?”
In establishing her points with specific reference to a bible passage which is Romans 12:1, she said, “Brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. The word ‘acceptable’ is the ‘Aboru’ while ‘living sacrifice’ is Aboye.”
Prior to this, Ifa-priest, Oluwo Jogbodo Orunmila, had told the award-winning singer to conduct an ancestry Deoxyribo Nucleic Acid (DNA) to be sure of her origin.
Orunmila who is the chief priest of Iledi Imule Agba in Oyan, Odo Otin North Local Council Development Authority in Osun State while speaking with Punch in an exclusive interview noted that Alabi has always been enmeshed in the usage of traditionalists’ lexicons.
He mentioned the singer’s use of ‘Eledumare’ and several other appraisals usually meant for Orunmila (god of wisdom) and Yoruba deities.
He maintained that whoever has come out to tag Alabi as an idol worshipper is just fuelling public opinion and is particularly not knowledgeable enough to know that Ifa only identifies those who want to be identified because it embraces secrecy.
When asked if the term was common lexicon that everyone could use, Orunmila responded, “It is not. The Ifa initiates undoubtedly use it.
He explained that Odu Ifa’s “Ogunda meji” in the Ifa corpus gave birth to the tales of three women, Aboru, Aboye, and Abosise, who provided special assistance to Orunmila, explaining how the phrase came to be used as a welcome among Ifa initiates.
Lagos witnessed an electrifying night of Afrobeats excellence on December 23, 2024, as the Flytime Music Festival took center stage.
Headlined by Nigerian music powerhouse Olamide, the event brought together an impressive lineup of stars to deliver unforgettable performances.
Olamide, affectionately called “Baddest” by fans, captivated the audience with back-to-back hits from his extensive catalog, including fan favorites like Melo Melo and Duro Soke.
The night turned emotional when Zlatan Ibile joined Olamide on stage and knelt in homage, a moment that resonated deeply with the crowd.
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The festival also showcased the generational impact of Olamide’s artistry.
Rising stars like Lil Kesh, Young Jonn, and Pheelz, who credit Olamide as a mentor, joined him on stage for a nostalgic display of talent.
Bella Shmurda, Fireboy DML, and Wande Coal also made show-stopping appearances.
A highlight of the night was the powerful duet between Olamide and Wande Coal on their hit song Kpe Paso.
Afrobeats royalty turned out in full force to support Olamide. Icons like Tiwa Savage, Phyno, Peruzzi, and Iyanya performed alongside emerging stars such as Magixx, Omah Lay, Orezi, Khaid, and Lojay, making the event a celebration of the genre’s past, present, and future.
CKay added extra flair by joining Olamide for a vibrant performance of their collaboration, Wahala, while Tiwa Savage brought her signature energy to the stage, keeping fans on their feet.
Backstage, entertainers Tunde Perry and Farulee added a dose of humor, further elevating the night’s excitement. Flytime Music Festival 2024 was more than a concert; it was a testament to the unifying power of music and a celebration of the global dominance of Afrobeats.
Nigerian music sensation Davido was recently seen engaging warmly with Bose Ogulu, the mother and manager of Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy, at Tony Elumelu’s exclusive all-white party in Lagos.
The event, hosted by the prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist, gathered a star-studded assembly of celebrities, business leaders, and influencers.
The interaction between Davido and Ogulu drew significant attention, especially considering the previously reported tensions between Davido and Burna Boy.
Their cordial exchange at the event has sparked discussions among fans and observers, suggesting a possible easing of past disagreements.
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The all-white party, known for its elegance and high-profile guest list, featured performances from top Nigerian artists, including Davido and Burna Boy. Their individual performances were among the highlights of the evening, showcasing the unity and vibrancy of the Nigerian music industry.
Tony Elumelu’s gatherings are renowned for bringing together diverse talents and fostering a spirit of collaboration. The presence of both Davido and Burna Boy’s mother at the same event underscores the influential role such occasions play in bridging gaps within the entertainment community.
As videos and images from the event circulate on social media, fans express optimism about the potential reconciliation between the two music giants. Many hope that this encounter signifies a new chapter of collaboration and mutual respect in the Nigerian music scene.
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Several children lost their lives, and many others were injured in a tragic incident at a funfair in Ibadan, a city in south-west Nigeria.
The event, which was advertised as free entry, attracted a massive crowd, resulting in a crush as attendees struggled to gain access.
Eyewitnesses reported that over 5,000 children gathered at the venue, located at the Islamic High School Basorun. The tragedy unfolded when the main organisers arrived to begin the event. While the exact sequence of events leading to the crush remains unclear, the situation escalated into chaos, leaving scores injured.
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The Oyo state government confirmed the incident, stating that victims had been rushed to various hospitals across Ibadan for treatment. In a statement, they acknowledged “multiple loss of lives and injuries.” Authorities have urged concerned parents to check local hospitals for their children’s whereabouts.
The devastating event has left the community in shock, with residents mourning the lives lost in what should have been a joyous occasion. Investigations are expected to shed light on how the situation spiraled out of control.
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