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“Ɔ lɛ lɛlá mi líl o, mama ná sa, a lɛ mbɔm a, ɔ lɛ lɛlá mi líl o”
“Do not cry I am here with you, your mother soon will come, she is in the farm, do not cry I am here with you”
Years ago my niece was born, and my father sang that refrain as he was dancing and carrying her. It was one of the most pure songs I have ever heard, coming spontaneously, from the bottom of a grandfather heart. I considered that moment for a while and reflected on grandparents' role in diverses cultures and societies.
Ɔ lɛ lɛlá mi líl o,
Personally, I consider myself lucky to have known my grandparents. I saw them as protective giants, baobabs in whose shade I could take shelter. With them, I had this feeling of security and assurance that nothing bad could happen to me. Quiet forces, they were bearers of stories, wisdom, peace. Today they are no more and so many times I have longed for their light and strength of spirit…
Ɔ lɛ lɛlá mi líl o,
I am sure that this feeling is shared by many others. And it is all the more great today as we have lost many elders, precipitously, these days...
This video wants to pay tribute to our elders, to revive our tender memories and to encourage us in our efforts to value all age groups in our society
Ɔ lɛ lɛlá mi líl o,
Years later I found myself rocking my nephew with the same refrain. I was moved to shape it into a sweet lullaby and start the tradition that I am happy to transmit to you
Ɔ lɛ lɛlá mi líl o, do not cry I am here with you
Olivia Nin
Donation gratefully accepted to support effort to consolidate, share research and knowledge around traditional medicines in response to various diseases in Africa: www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3CKB53MXT8BJY
lyrics
Ɔ lɛ lɛlá mi líl o, ɔ lɛ lɛlá mi líl o,
mama ná sa, a lɛ mbɔm a,
ɔ lɛ lɛlá mi líl o.
Can you see somewhere in the sky? (ɔ lɛ lɛlá mi líl o)
Mum & dad standing by your side, (ɔ lɛ lɛlá mi líl o)
make a wish and you will hear, (ɔ lɛ lɛlá mi líl o)
Their blessings whispering through your life, (ɔ lɛ lɛlá mi líl o)
The moon and the stars are glowing,
as they see your smiling face,
and the fireflies are dancing
drawing words to say
Ɔ lɛ lɛlá mi líl o, ɔ lɛ lɛlá mi líl o,
mama ná sa, a lɛ mbɔm a,
ɔ lɛ lɛlá mi líl o.
And if you feel your hope is gone, (ɔ lɛ lɛlá mi líl o)
And if you have to face the storm, (ɔ lɛ lɛlá mi líl o)
Close your eyes and keep remember
what I used to say
Ɔ lɛ lɛlá mi líl o, ɔ lɛ lɛlá mi líl o,
mama ná sa, a lɛ mbɔm a,
ɔ lɛ lɛlá mi líl o.
Wipe your tears away,
Have yourself a smile,
Let's go for a walk,
In the boundless night
oo oo o
oo oo o
ɔ lɛ lɛlá mi líl o
ɔ lɛ lɛlá mi líl o
credits
released April 10, 2021
Title: Mi lil (a Tunen lullaby)
Music/Lyric: Olivia Nin - refrain by courtesy of Barnabas Enanga
Arranged and produced by: Olivia Nin
Voice: Olivia Nin
Piano: Brian Barber
Oboe: Angela Schleihauf
Mixed and mastered by: AudiobyHugo
Recorded at: Edmonton, Ottawa, Toronto
Cover art (and video) by: David Woodcock
At a very young age, Olivia Nin was able to develop her musical sensitivity and versatility alongside parents who were
lovers of classical and traditional-modern music and a grandmother who was a singer and traditional chorister. It was through choral singing in secondary school that she discovered her musical vocation......more
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