Juwon Ogungbe presents
Juwon Ogungbe ignites the flame of Multicultural Britain with his new EP, “Embers of de Empire,” set to release on July 12, 2024. As a composer and singer, Ogungbe blends Opera and African music influences to create a vibrant exploration of multicultural values in contemporary Britain. The EP’s songs reflect ongoing debates on ‘Culture Wars’ and ‘Wokeism,’ telling stories about London’s diverse history through an African Londoner’s perspective. Drawing inspiration from African, European, Caribbean, and South American musical genres, Ogungbe crafts an eclectic sound that evokes the multicultural life he experiences in London and the UK.
“Embers of de Empire” will be available on major digital music platforms, including Juwon Ogungbe’s Bandcamp page, Spotify, and Deezer.
The EP’s listening party will take place on Feferity Radio on July 17 from 6-8pm online at https://feferitylondon.co.uk on Ogungbe’s radio show – ‘Jive Talking with Juwon’.
Additionally, Ogungbe will perform a concert at The Africa Centre in Southwark on July 20 as part of a series of cultural events celebrating the 90th birthday of esteemed playwright and scholar Wole Soyinka. Scroll down for details.
EMBERS OF DE EMPIRE Libretto & Translation
Click orange toggle to read each stanza
1. Orishirishi
C. Orishirishi dey happen for dis town, make I tell you – All sorts of things happen in this town, let me tell you
R. Orishirishi dey happen for dis town
– All sorts of things happen in this town.
C. Orishirishi dey happen for dis town, make I tell you
– All sorts of things happen in this town, let me tell you
R. Orishirishi dey happen for dis town
– All sorts of things happen in this town.
C. Dis pub for de Angel na im dem dey go
– This pub in the Angel is where they used to go
R. Orishirishi dey happen for dis town
– All sorts of things happen in this town.
C. Dem crazy baldheads wey no like us, na dere dem dey siddon drink
– Those crazy bald heads who don’t like us, that’s where they sat to drink.
R. Orishirishi dey happen for dis town
– All sorts of things happen in this town.
C. Two brodas come meet as dem dey cross de road
-Two brothers met as they crossed the road.
R. Orishirishi dey happen for dis town
– All sorts of things happen in this town.
C. Dem sabi say pub no dey safe – skinheads dey dere boku
– They knew the pub wasn’t safe – Lots of skinheads were in there.
R. Orishirishi dey happen for dis town
– All sorts of things happen in this town.
C. Na so e be wey Jolade im come sabi Kenny
– And so it was that Jolade came to know Kenny.
R. Orishirishi dey happen for dis town
– All sorts of things happen in this town.
C. Dem bobo say ‘make we comot from dis side, betta place dey ova dere’
‘Make we comot from dis side, betta place dey ova dere’
‘Make we comot from dis side, betta place dey ova dere’
– The guys said ‘Let’s move away from here – there are better places over there.
R. Orishirishi dey happen for dis town
– All sorts of things happen in this town.
C. Jolade and Kenny come dey waka, dey jist. Dem waka, waka so tey dem reach anoda area
– Jolade and Kenny were talking as they walked. They walked for so long that they reached another area.
R. Orishirishi dey happen for dis town.
– All sorts of things happen in this town.
C. Dem enter inside market – awa pipo dey dere plenty
– They went inside a market, where there were lots of our people.
R. Orishirishi dey happen for dis town
– All sorts of things happen in this town.
C. E be like say dat day na special for de market
– It seemed like it was a special day in the market.
R. Orishirishi dey happen for dis town
– All sorts of things happen in this town.
C. De market get dem masquerade – de Pearly Kings and Queens
– The market had masquerades – the Pearly Kings and Queens.
R. Orishirishi dey happen for dis town
– All sorts of things happen in this town.
C. Na so dem come see de Pearly King from Africa
– That’s how they came to see the Pearly King from Africa!
R. Orishirishi dey happen for dis town
– All sorts of things happen in this town.
C. See Britiko wonder! De Pearly King from Africa
– See the British Wonder – The Pearly King from Africa!
R. Orishirishi dey happen for dis town
– All sorts of things happen in this town.
C. See Britiko wonder! De Pearly King from Africa
– See the British Wonder – The Pearly King from Africa!
R. Orishirishi dey happen for dis town
– All sorts of things happen in this town.
2. It is well
R: Baba Pearly King! Baba Pearly King! Baba Pearly King! You don reach?
– Father Pearly King (x3) Have you arrived?
Baba Pearly King! Baba Pearly King! Baba Pearly King! You don reach?
PK: I don reach o! I dey here!
– I’ve arrived. I’m here!
R: Baba o! Baba o! Baba o! You are welcome!
– Father, Oh Father Oh Father, you are welcome!
PK: I see you, my people! Na your face be dis?
– I see you, my people! Are these your faces?
R: We dey here Baba! You are welcome!
– We are here, father, you are welcome!
PK: You see me as I dey here? Na justice wey I wan see
– You see me as I stand here? I want to see justice.
R: It is well, Baba Pearly King
– It is well, Father Pearly King.
PK: De ancestors say make I troway salute to you
– The ancestors send their greetings
R: It is well, Baba Pearly King
– It is well, Father Pearly King.
PK: Na for the Port of London wey dem work so hard!
– It was in the Port of London that they worked so hard!
R: It is well, Baba Pearly King
– It is well, Father Pearly King.
PK: Port wey big, busy pass in de whole world!
– The biggest, busiest port in the world
R: It is well, Baba Pearly King
– It is well, Father Pearly King.
PK: Dem work for the docks, dem dey suffer so tey!
– They worked on the Docks, they suffered for so long!
R: It is well, Baba Pearly King
– It is well, Father Pearly King
PK: Dem oga, dem carry all de money for dem self
– Their bosses took all the money for themselves.
R: It is well. Baba Pearly King
– It is well, Father Pearly King.
PK: Na for today we go give dem dere share
– Today, we’ll give them (the ancestors) their share.
R: It is well. Baba Pearly King
– It is well, Father Pearly King
PK: Oya, Oya! Se you dey ready? Make I see de statues!
– It’s time, it’s time, Are you ready? Let me see the statues.
Na sara we wan do. Today na de day
– We want to perform a ritual sacrifice. Today is the day.
PK: Spices from India
– Spices from India
R: E dey here!
– They are here!
PK: Ivory from Africa
– Ivory from Africa
R: E dey here!
– It is here!
PK: Rum from Jamaica
– Rum from Jamaica
R: E dey here!
– It is here!
PK: Bearskin from Canada
– Bearskins from Canada!
R: E dey here!
– They are here!
PK: Tobacco, Pineapple, Diamonds and Gold!
– Tobacco, Pineapples, Diamonds and Gold!
Na for de ancestors, make dem flex for dem side
– It’s for the ancestors to enjoy on their side.
R: It is well. Baba Pearly King
– It is well, Father Pearly King.
PK: Make dem flex for dem side. We no go fashi dem
– Let them enjoy on their side! We won’t forget them.
R: It is well, Baba Pearly King.
– It is well, Father Pearly King!
3. Awa mama, awa papa
PK: My broda, my sista, kweshion dey wey I wan ask
– My brother, my sister, there’s a question I want to ask;
You sabi say dem carry cargo enter port for London
– You know that cargo was brought into the Port in London;
Dem bring di cargo come from all ova di empire
– They brought the cargo from all over the empire;
Na who do di work before dem get di cargo?
– Who did the work before they got the cargo?
R: Awa mama, awa papa, na dem wey do di work
– Our mothers, our fathers – they did the work.
PK: Dem oga for dat time, shey dem pay di workers boku?
– Their bosses at that time, did they pay the workers well?
R: Awa mama, awa papa, na dem wey do di work
– Our mothers, our fathers, they did the work!
PK: Who talk say dem get notin from di empire?
– Who says they (the bosses) got nothing from the empire?
R: Awa mama, awa papa, na dem wey do di work
– Our mothers, our fathers, they did the work.
PK: Dos wey deny am, dem dey craze for dem head
– Those who deny it are crazy in the head!
R: Awa mama, awa papa, na dem wey do di work
– Our mothers, our fathers, they did the work.
PK: Pipo from all ova di empire, dem waka come
– People from all over the empire arrive here.
R: Awa mama, awa papa, na dem wey do di work
– Our mothers, our fathers, they did the work
PK: Dem no dey find space, dem lock dem up for prisons
– They can’t fit in, they’re locked up in prisons.
R: Awa mama, awa papa, na dem wey do di work
– Our mothers, our fathers, they did the work.
PK: Di long throat pipo, make dem change dia ways
– The greedy people ought to change their ways.
R: Awa mama, awa papa, na dem wey do di work
– Our mothers, our fathers, they did the work.
PK: Di long throat pipo, make dem change dia ways
– The greedy people ought to change their ways.
R: Awa mama, awa papa, na dem wey do di work
– Our mothers, our fathers, they did the work.
4. One Pipo
R: Balance wey we don troway
– The balance we’ve lost
Na today we go find am
– We’ll regain it today
Na today we go find am
– We’ll regain it today
Na today we go find am
– We’ll regain it today
Balance wey we don troway
– The balance we’ve lost
Na today we go find am
– We’ll regain it today
We be one pipo, no be so?
– We are one people, aren’t we?
PK: Una papa, una mama dem fit be oppressor
– Your father or your mother could be an oppressor.
R: We be one pipo, no be so?
– We are one people, aren’t we?
PK: Dem oppress una broda, cheat una family
– Your brother was oppressed, your family was cheated.
R: We be one pipo, no be so?
– We are one people, aren’t we?
PK: Di right to flex life na for everybody
– Quality of life is for everyone.
R: We be one pipo, no be so
– We are one people, aren’t we?
PK: Healing for di pipo wey suffer, e dey come
– Healing is on its way for those who have suffered.
R: We be one pipo, no be so?
– We are one people, aren’t we?
PK: Respect for me, respect for you, na im we dey find
– Respect for you and for me, that’s what we want.
R: We be one pipo, no be so?
– We are one people, aren’t we?
R: Balance wey we don troway
– The balance we’ve lost
Na today we go find am
– We’ll regain it today
Na today we go find am
– We’ll regain it today
Na today we go find am
– We’ll regain it today
Balance wey we do don troway
– The balance we’ve lost
Na today we go find am
– We’ll regain it today
We be one pipo, no be so?
– We are one people, aren’t we?
5. Fan the fire
PK: My pipo, my pipo, come join me.
– My people, my people, come join me.
See dis faya wey dey burn?
– See this burning fire;
Na di faya of di old empire
– It’s the fire of the old empire.
Na for me and you to flex
– It’s for me and you to enjoy.
We go share, make you no vex.
– We’ll share it. Hope you won’t mind.
Una fit fan di flame? See my fan, na di same
– Would you please fan the flame? Look at my fan, it’s similar to yours.
Oya, you dey ready?
– Alright! Are you ready?
R: We dey fan di faya, fan di faya, fan di faya, we dey fan di faya
– We are fanning the fire, fanning the fire, fanning the fire, we are fanning the fire.
PK: Jolade, Kenny, you sef you fit do am
– Jolade and Kenny, you can do it as well! Let’s do it!
R: We dey fan di faya, fan di faya, fan di faya; We dey fan di faya;
– We are fanning the fire, fanning the fire, fanning the fire, we are fanning the fire.
PK: Forwards ever, backwards never, we dey flex together.
– Forwards ever, backwards never, we are enjoying, together.
R: We dey fan di faya, fan di faya, fan di faya, we dey fan di faya;
– We are fanning the fire, fanning the fire, fanning the fire, we are fanning the fire.
PK: No lef am dia, We go jam for next year!
– Don’t leave it there! We’ll meet again next year!
R: We dey fan di faya, fan di faya, fan di faya, we dey fan di faya!
– We are fanning the fire, fanning the fire, fanning the fire, we are fanning the fire.
About Juwon Ogungbe
Juwon Ogungbe is a distinguished classical singer and composer, as well as a performer in various other genres. He has composed for the BBC, the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Southbank Centre, among others. In 2018, his operatic works were in various stages of development at Opera North, Grimeborn Opera Festival (Arcola Theatre) and Dhow Countries Music Academy in Zanzibar. In 2021 he has released Glisten and Burn – another EP and his opera King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba was recently presented in a memorable production for Freedom in the City – Festival of Learning in Bath, England.
Audience Feedback from online screening of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba:
‘Hi , enjoyed the performance! Saturday evening at the Opera on a platter right in the comfort of my living room! A real treat! Thanks everyone, great performance, and to Ali for invite!! Saw the advert somewhere and thought of going to see it!! Great!! Thank you all! Xx’
‘Thanks very much for such an innovative performance of a remarkable historic event. Congratulations!’
‘Hello Juwon, great kudos to you and the rest of the cast. A wonderful performance. Really proud of you, Bro.’
LATEST RELEASE
Juwon Ogungbe Celebrates Diversity with Infectious New Single
London based composer and singer Juwon Ogungbe is about to release a new single, called Orishirishi.
Translated from Yoruba (and Nigerian Pidgin English), Orishirishi means ‘all sorts.’
Drawing from his eclectic range of musical influences, Juwon Ogungbe has created a carnivalesque song, evocative of al fresco festivities. Orishirishi takes listeners into a vivid and colourful world, filled with street performers in a market environment.
Ogungbe says ‘I remember meeting friends and acquaintances for the first time as a young adult, in an atmosphere filled with edginess and uncertainty. Skinheads with right wing political leanings were in vogue and those of us who didn’t fit into their idea of an ideal world often had to tread gingerly around some parts of London. On the other hand, there were safe havens such as Dalston and the Ridley Road Market where folks of all backgrounds could mingle easily. Orishirishi tells a tale about moving from a menacing space to a comforting place.’
Orishirishi is to be available on Juwon Ogungbe’s Bandcamp at https://juwonogungbe.bandcamp.com from the 12th of July 2024.
The song comes from a soon to be released EP entitled Embers of de Empire.
Listen to the single on Bandcamp.
Embers of de Empire EP Launch
Tune in to the EP Listening Party
Wed, 17th July, 2024
6-8pm (UK time)
on Live Radio | Feferity Radio London
Kongi's Happy Hour
Juwon Ogungbe in Performance Sat, 20th July 2024
Africa Centre, London, UK
Doors open at 7pm (UK time)
Tickets available Eventbrite
“An incredibly satisfying testimony confirming the strong role Black creatives play in shaping Opera’s Grand Design in the UK. Very rarely do we have this confirmation, Thank you Juwon and team for validating this suppressed truth.”