Ojú t’óti r’òkun,

Ojú t’óti r’òkun, kòlè r’ọsà kóbẹ̀rù.
Translation: The eyes that have seen a mighty ocean will not see a river and be afraid. 

“It is an illness that one treats; one does not treat death,”  explains a Yorùbá proverb. This proverb, deeply rooted in the Yorùbá culture, suggests that one should focus on addressing the issues rather than dwelling on the inevitable. An illness left untreated before death intervenes too late for many victims, emphasizing the importance of timely action and acceptance of life's realities.

A Yorùbá proverb on tragedy implies, “All eyes that see evil and do not go blind will see joy at the end.” The Yorùbá people, who have faced the horrors of deadly viruses and other calamities, have emerged stronger, braver, and more confident. Their resilience is a beacon of hope, a testament to the human spirit's ability to endure and overcome even the darkest times.

The Yoruba use this proverb to console victims of tragedies, offering a comforting reminder that joy can follow even in the darkest times. This wisdom is not exclusive to the Yorùbá people; it resonates with all of us, regardless of our cultural background. Just as the wife in this painting is consoling the husband, the Yorùbá proverb provides a source of solace and support in times of hardship for all humanity. 

Ìgbà m̀bájó

Ìgbà m̀bájó; onílù gbélùlọ
When I wanted to dance, the musicians dispersed.

Let's delve into the world of Yoruba wisdom with a captivating proverb: "Ìgbà m̀bájó; onílù gbélùlọ" (when I was ready to dance, the drummers dispersed). This proverb beautifully illustrates the importance of seizing an opportunity promptly. Picture this: a vibrant dance band arrives in your community, playing their hearts out. However, you hesitate to join in the fun. And when you decide to dance, the band unexpectedly packs up and leaves, a situation perfectly encapsulated by this proverb. 

Another Yoruba proverb compares to the above but with more severe consequences when one fails to take advantage of an opportunity. "If a terrible epidemic descends on a town, the town uses a terrible medicine to confront it." (Bí àrùn búbúrú bá wọlú, oògùn búbúrú la fí ń wò ó). If the town does nothing to stop the epidemic, it can become a massive disaster. 

The painting, a visual representation of the Yoruba proverbs, depicts three musicians returning home. The context of their return, whether after a successful performance or a missed opportunity, is left to the viewer's interpretation, adding a layer of curiosity and engagement to the piece.

Gbe! Gbé! Gbe!

Gbe! Gbè! Gbe!

A Yoruba proverb teaches us that we gather not to be foolish, but to be wise. It reminds us that problems are not meant to be faced alone, but are conquerable through our collective endeavor. This proverb encourages us to walk together, to share our burdens, and to avoid the path of solitary regret. It underscores the benefits of communal effort, reminding us that it is better to go with the group than to go alone and have reasons to lament.

This Yoruba proverb serves as a reminder of the importance of active participation in communal efforts.

Bí o bá ngbọ “Gbe! Gbè! Gbe! Tí o ò bá wón gbée;                      Èhìkùlérẹ ni wọn ó ò gbé e sí.
When you hear the call, 'Haul it! Haul it! Haul it!' if you choose not to join in, the potential consequences of your inaction may be regrettable.

BASỌ́

Bá fùrọ mi sọ́

Talk to my rear-end

This Yoruba proverb “Ẹní fi ojú àná wo òkú; ẹbọra á bọ lásọ”
A person who looks at today's dead with the same eye that saw the living will have his clothes unceremoniously removed by the spirit.

Embedded within a Yoruba proverb lies a powerful metaphor that illuminates the transformation of gender roles, showcasing the strength, progress, and power of modern women. These women have transcended the traditional roles of being seen and not heard, roles that were once imposed on them by men.

Consider this a stark warning for any man who assumes he can demand the duplicate submission, fear, and respect from a modern woman as he does from a traditional one. Be cautious, for such expectations may lead to a fate you will deeply regret.

#me too #women pride #art and politics #art and philosophy #truism #art as metaphor #equal right #Yoruba proverbs #savoir faire #contemporary Yoruba art #contemporary art #contemporary African art.

Òrìsà tí 'ńgbe ọle kòsí

Òrìsà tí 'ńgbe ọle kòsí; apá ẹní ní ńgbe ni.

A god that comes to the aid of a shiftless person does not exist; his best support is his hands.

Sitting back and expecting help from others is pointless; a man should work to achieve his objectives. Putting the responsibility for your success in other people's hands spells failure. The book of II Chronicles expresses this Yoruba proverb beautifully: “Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded."

Àjójù

Àjójù

Sagacity, integrity, reliability, self-knowledge, self-restraint, and thoughtfulness are qualities the Yorùbá society acknowledges a person should possess to merit respect and trust. Lack of some or all of these qualities will bring disgrace even to the most elevated person.

This Yorùbá proverb illustrates a disrepute masquerade who lacks moderation and decorum by somersaulting excessively to the point of lifting the layers of fabric make up of his costume to expose himself.

Àjójù ní ńmú kí okó eégún yọ jáde.

Unrestrained dancing is what causes the masquerade’s penis to become revealed.

Eégún(masquerades) are ancestors, visitors from the invisible world. Yoruba believe these ancestors don’t have the same physical attributes as the living since they are believed to be spirits. At every season, they come bearing gifts and blessings to all the people living in the visible world. They especially bless women who desire children. Since these spirits are shrouded in secrecy, their identities are unknown. 

When a sacred spirit whose identity is secretive exposes himself due to his lack of moderation and integrity, and the women who are expecting blessings from him become aware that he has the same attributes as their husbands, question his immortality. 

One should exercise restraint in performing any function. Excess exposes, and the Yorùbá proverb Àjójù counsel moderation.

Ọbọ ní yiò para rẹ

Ọbọ ní yiò para rẹ

The sparrow enjoys life carefully, a cautionary Yoruba proverb: advising the best way to enjoy a good life is to be cautious. Living wild experiences lead to disaster, disgrace, and even early death. The Yoruba proverb in this painting uses the adage of the ọbọ (monkey), to illustrate how not to live an unrestrained life.

Ọbọ ní yiò para rẹ; a ò ni pọbọ

Nobody will kill the monkey; the monkey will kill itself

A hunter tired and hungry hunting unsuccessfully for a game, laid his loaded gun beside him and fell asleep. Several inquisitive young monkeys gathered around to see what was going on. They were fascinated by the hunter's gun and wondered what it was. Before they started exploring it, they were warned by an elderly monkey to stay away from the gun because it was an instrument of disaster and death. The young ones ignored him and continued with their exploration. They crowded around the long shaft of the gun while one of them was admiring the gun's trigger mechanism. While wondering what it was for, he pulled it. The loud sound, as a result, surprised the hunter, he jumped up, reached for his machete and delivered a vicious blow on the monkey that pulled the trigger. He escaped wounded, but the rest of the monkeys were not as fortunate. They made the mistake of not listening to the counsel of an elderly monkey and they paid with their lives. Monkeys are one of the smartest animals, but mistakes or unrestrained behaviors have nothing to do with wisdom.

Unrestrained and thoughtless behavior has led to morbidity and mortality rates rising according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports in the use and addiction to opioids and electronic cigarette products amongst young adults. Statistics show that more than twelve million people are using opioid drugs for recreation. Ninety people die in the U.S. every day from an opioid overdose.

Doctors have also reported the outbreak of lung injuries resulting in severe pulmonary disease, even death associated with the use of electronic cigarettes or vaping.

Uncontrolled sexual appetite makes it very difficult for people that care about their reputation to stay away from questionable actions. A lot of notables who fail to learn from this fact face a lot of embarrassment. People secure pleasure with material means, but it is with wisdom that people guarantee a good life.

Ọ̀run ń jábọ̀

“Global warming” is a term used for the observed scale rise in the average temperature of the Earth’s climate system and its related effects. Scientific studies have shown that surging temperatures due to global warming can reach levels between average global temperatures of 4 degrees -7.2 degrees Fahrenheit if uncontrolled. This increase may be irreversible.

Scientists unanimously agree that the rising concentration of greenhouse gases and other human activities within the Earth’s atmosphere causes nearly all global warming. These gases like water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone within the atmosphere absorb and emit heat radiation. Escalating or declining amounts of greenhouse gases within the atmosphere act to either hold or release more of the heat from the sun. This atmospheric heating and agitation also increase the unpredictability of the weather and climate and dramatically increase the severity, scale, and frequency of storms, droughts, wildfires, and extreme temperatures globally.

Atmospheric carbon from fossil fuel burning is the main human-caused factor in the escalating global warming we are experiencing now. Two participants, the climate activists, and the climate deniers are engaged in the climate debate crisis. The painting “Ọrun ń jábọ,” illustrates the two participants.

Ọrun ń jábọ

Kì í se ọrọ ẹnìkan

Heaven is falling

Is not a single person’s problem

The climate activists, genuinely concerned about the destruction of civilization due to the consequences of global warming, are trying to support the globe literally from falling. The climate deniers are those that are ignorant and those who pretend to be unaware of the global danger. Those that are ignorant of the threat can be educated to see the risks and join hands with the activists. Those that feign intelligent ignorance of the climate catastrophe are more difficult to educate or persuade. Driven by greed, they are more concerned with losing the economic gains from exploiting natural resources that contribute to the global warming problem. They raise their glasses for continuing financial profitability at the risk of environmental ruination.

If the changes to the atmosphere become irreversible, it will not matter whether you are for or against runaway global warming. Eternal Fire will consume every soul.

Ẹyin ã gbà tẹ́ ẹ jẹ'sẹ́bì

ẸYIN Ã GBÀ TẸ́ Ẹ JẸ’SẸ́BÌ

Haile Selassie, emperor of Ethiopia, in his opening speech during a special session of the United Nations Assembly held in Addis Ababa on October 4, 1963, said that throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted, the indifference of those who should have known better, the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most, that has made it possible for evil to triumph.

There have been several domestic attacks this year. The majority of the most severe crimes appeared to be racially motivated. The fear of the “other” sets the racial moods of hatred, intolerance, and terrorism with deadly consequences for these attacks.

Could all this pain and suffering have been averted? Not necessarily. Nobody is born with racism; the problem with racism is the problem of admitting ignorance of it. To break away from the vicious strangulation of racism, elected officials and prominent individuals must band together for the good of the nation to fight these racial fears in all forms. They must leave behind partisan politics, ideological and personal agenda. Encourage the communities they serve to fight racism at all levels, and not worsen the situation by using racial tropes and racial language to score political points.

The first amendment guarantees individuals the right to own firearms. Passing a law that will strip an individual’s right to purchase guns of choice, including assault rifles, will violate this right. Lawmakers, however, can agree on amendments that will limit accessibility to weapons used by racists to kill the “other.”

When certain politicians and prominent individuals in a nation fail to do something about racial issues, they choose the side of the racists.

The Yoruba proverb title for this painting addresses this situation:

Ẹyin ã gbà tẹ́ ẹ jẹ’sẹ́bì

Ẹ kó ara yín jọ́

           You elders that united to share a secret pact with racists

            Band together; be identified as collaborators to evil.

Let the politicians and prominent individuals that choose the side of the racists, band together.

Ẹdẹ́'yẹ Mọ́'gbó

ẸD’É́IYẸMỌ́́’GBÓ 

There are many reasons The Yoruba use proverbs in their daily lives. These proverbs are expressions, phrases, poems, and songs easily recreated in many art forms to address complex situations.

This popular song by King Sunny Adé, one of Nigeria’s world-famous musicians, is an excellent example of a poetry proverb about men’s evil actions to destroy other people.

Ẹd’ẹ́iyẹmọ́’gbóẹf’iná sóko yíká
Àkèré wọ’dò ẹlẹ́ ́ẹ́ fẹ́ f’iná le jáde
Oun tí ò lè bọsí oun lè nra’wọ́lé
Ẹlé wa títí Olúwa ò fúu yín se
Àyànmọ́ ò gbọ́ ò ògùn
Orí lẹl’ẹ́jọ́

They set the field on fire to trap a bird
They try to force the frog out of its waterhole with fire
These are impossible tasks they attempt to accomplish
They pursued us with all intrigue, but God frustrated their schemes
Destiny cannot be averted, cannot be changed
Only Ori (‘the head,” refers to a mystical force that determines an individual’s destiny) can overcome intrigue.

The citizens of the United States of America elected their first African American President in 2009. His election was not a surprise to many people that have been observing American politics. The famous American writer, James Baldwin, in his novel “The Fire Next Time,” published in 1962, revealed Bobby Kennedy’s assurance that a Negro can become President in forty years. Kennedy’s prophecy came actual forty-seven years later; an African American was elected President of the United States of America.

Because of the systematic discriminatory experiences of African Americans in the United States, many citizens who oppose change did not take President Obama’s election kindly. Some leaders of the Republican Party, upset by the election of an African America President, formed a united front to challenge any agenda president Obama will propose for the Country. The goal of this unified group was to frustrate Obama and make him appear as a massive failure in the eyes of the people and have him written into history as a failed President.

President Obama served his Country for eight years. History may remember him as one of the decent and successful Presidents of all time, despite the many attempts made to wipe out his achievements from the past. What has the demagogues of the Republican Party achieved in their efforts to tarnish Obama’s legacy?

1. The King Sunny Adé song, "Ẹd'ẹ́iyẹmọ́'gbó," said of people whose evil actions will hurt them more than they will destroy their enemies.

2. Leaders in the Republican Party failed to support the agenda of a brilliant President Obama who succeeded in accomplishing many of his programs without their support. The same leaders critical of the Obama Presidency are credited with giving full support to the current President who has been dismantling the agenda of his predecessor.

3. The first term of this President is almost over, after nearly three years in office, he has displayed temperance on becoming of a leader of this great Nation. He does not have good judgment needed to appoint experienced personnel to his crucial cabinet positions. The notable achievement of this President is selecting a bunch of stumbling amateurs and demagogues to execute his non-programs.

Abọ Ọrọ

Àbọ ọrọ là á sọ fun ọmọlúwàbí.
Tó bá dé inu rẹ á di odidi.

We speak half of a word to the child born of Olu-iwa(the source of all wisdom).
It becomes a hole in him when he digests it. Half a word is enough for the wise.

The Yorùbá society, with its rich cultural heritage, has long placed a premium on the ability to speak with wisdom, confidence, and conviction. This unique trait is often encapsulated in the verbal artistry and mastery of “Òwe”. Yorùbá Òwe, loosely translated into English as proverbs, is a testament to the depth and complexity of our culture.

In English, Proverbs (from Latin: proverbium) are often phrases or simple and concrete sayings expressing truths based on common sense or knowledge. These proverbs are frequently used as expert advice in conversation to educate people on morality and sometimes as a warning about the consequences of failing to do the right thing. The Bible’s Book of Proverbs and vast collections of ancient philosophical writings share short sayings of the Creator’s wisdom, which offers practical knowledge and illuminates the pathway toward the proper recognition, development, and utilization of gained wisdom that guides one to the ability to live a good life.

Unlike English proverbs, Yorùbá Òwe is a practical system reflecting millennia of observation of human behavior, social activities, and the environment. As a culture that developed without Western writing, the Yorùbá use proverbs for every imaginable context. They serve as a verbal guide for moral conduct, explanations of social and human behavior, and advice on how to navigate everyday complex situations. This practicality is what makes Yorùbá proverbs so engaging and enlightening.

Ọjọmọ's blog series serves as a platform to celebrate the timeless concepts conveyed in the verbal artistry that permeates every aspect of life in Yorùbá culture. In this series, he will discuss how he translates Yorùbá proverbs into visual energy on canvas, aiming to explore, explain, and reveal the deeper meaning of the stories behind the images of his paintings. Through this visual representation, the images will provoke critical thinking and intensify the understanding of the societal values embedded in Yorùbá proverbs.

For anyone to contribute to the development of society, they must possess the essential qualities of ìwa, which is character for existence. These character traits, believed to be indispensable in the development of good citizenship by the Yorùbá, continue to influence decision-making processes socially, economically, and politically. This emphasis on character development through proverbs is both inspiring and reflective.

The responsibility of exposing children during their developmental stages to the qualities of the essential character for existence falls on the watchful eyes of elders in the community. The elders use proverbs to teach discipline and morality to their children (it takes a whole village to raise a child.) One of the essential qualities of being born by Olu-iwa is respect for other people’s opinions, which may differ from theirs. A child born by the giver of wisdom requires only an incomplete sentence to fully understand the whole sentence through the invocation of the attributes of good character. What is a good character? The Yoruba compare good or harmful characters to the characteristics of smoke in this proverb.

Ẽfí nì iwà
Kò sí bí a tilè bò ó mólẹ tó
Yìó rú síta.

Character is smoke
No matter how hard one tries to suppress it
It isn't easy to contain.