Igbeyawo: The Matrimony
Today is the day whose date
We shall live to remember
As we celebrate
Our son and daughter
We shall feast till it’s late
And we hope it lasts forever.
Men and housewives!
Grab your clay pots and your knives,
Butcher the cows and stir the stew,
Gourds of palm wine should not be few.
Is the compound set?
Have the drummers arrived yet?
Behold! The bride;
Ewatomi, an epitome of beauty
Sitting with elegance and pride;
Cheeks rosy, eyes fruity,
Beads on her waist, ankles and wrists;
Her beauty makes our eyes mist.
Is that not Akanbi the groom?
A shy maiden runs to her room
On seeing our prince charming
Young he is, but rich as a king
Donning his expensive agbada and cap
Any girl would fall into his trap.
It is time for the most important rite
Let the parents bless this union
Marriage is a comfort site
You are each other’s companion
You shall bear children with ease
Your love won’t quench, come any breeze
Now we feast
Talking drums command hips
Even Baba nods his head at least
Wedding songs on our lips
Dance rigorously to the drumbeat
Till we’re aching from our head to our feet
Let palm wine flow endlessly
Pounded yam or Amala; eat to your fill
Take advantage of this ecstasy
To eat like it’s your last meal
Amidst all of this,
We wish Ewatomi and Akanbi marital bliss.
