Born to a Nigerian royal family in Ondo, Ade left grammar school to pursue his career, which began with Moses Olaiya’s Federal Rhythm Dandies, a highlife band. He left to form The Green Spots in 1967. He formed a record label in 1974, fed up with being exploited by a major label. Beginning with Juju Music, Ade began gaining a wide following as Mango Records, a subsidiary of Island Records, released his albums. He was soon billed as the African Bob Marley, and headlined concerts in the US. Soon after, Nigerian imports (mostly pirated copies) of his massive back catalog began flooding the Western market. Island, concerned about sales and Adé’s refusal to include more English in his repertoire, cut him loose after his third LP, 1984’s Aura.
By the end of the 1980s, Ade’s star began to dim, and his albums sold less, though he continued to garner critical acclaim and widespread popularity in Africa. 1998’s Odu, a collection of traditional Yoruba songs, was nominated for a Grammy Award. He has also become one of the most powerful people in Nigeria, running multiple companies in several industries.
Afai Bowon
King Sunny Ade Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
omon pao wuwa ika somo enikan
afaibawon ja won binu
awao gbero ika senikeni
When he woke her up this morning she saw something on his mind
His eyes were cold and distant and his spirit was unkind
He said I'm off to find myself and I won't be coming back
She said ask the Lord to help you not to act like that
Now I know a woman burdened by the choices that she's made
Life reflects the consequence of making mistakes
So in her prayers each night she prays perpetually
Lord help me now to be the best that I can be
Father won't you just help me now to be the best that I can be?
Cause I know there is joy, there is forgiving
There is peace and contentment
There is love and it grows unrelenting
I know my Lord He loves me just like that
I don't have to worry cause I know He loves me just like that
Well you may know some women hurting like the ones I've just described
Who's future seem impossible for them to survive
You can tell them I'm living proof by what He's done for me
The only thing required is that you just believe
All you have to do is simply just believe
Just like that, just like that
Think about it He can make everything change
Just like that
He's giving me love unconditionally
Treating my soul with everything I need
I love the way He loves me just like that
Now have faith in what you hope for and not in what you see
Believe in what I say to you and keep your eyes on Me
Cause I can change your husband's heart and make his love for you come back
Don't doubt what I can do, I love you just like that
won finu seka won fode sotito
awa
aawa
The first verse of King Sunny Ade's song Afai Bowon speaks of a person who woke up one morning with a heavy burden on their heart. They were distant and cold, and they informed their partner that they were leaving to find themselves and would not be returning. The partner admonished them to seek the help of the Lord to avoid acting rashly. The second verse is about a woman burdened by the consequences of her past choices. She prays incessantly for the Lord to help her be the best that she can be. The chorus talks about the unconditional love of God and how it can turn everything around just like that. The final verse is an encouragement to believe in what God can do and have faith in Him, as He can change situations and relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Edumare nikan lo rokan to wa rinu
Only God knows what's on our minds
omon pao wuwa ika somo enikan
Sometimes we are burdened by our own choices
afaibawon ja won binu
Our actions can make others upset
awao gbero ika senikeni
We must ask for God's help to avoid being unkind
Now I know a woman burdened by the choices that she's made
The story of a woman struggling with the consequences of her past decisions
Life reflects the consequence of making mistakes
Our mistakes have a way of affecting our lives
So in her prayers each night she prays perpetually
She turns to God for guidance and support
Father won't you just help me now to be the best that I can be?
She asks God to help her be the best version of herself
Cause I know there is joy, there is forgiving
She believes in a future full of happiness and forgiveness
There is peace and contentment
She trusts in the peace and contentment that come with faith
There is love and it grows unrelenting
She experiences the never-ending love of God
I don't have to worry cause I know He loves me just like that
She finds comfort in knowing that God's love is unconditional
Well you may know some women hurting like the ones I've just described
The singer acknowledges that there are other women who may be struggling
Who's future seem impossible for them to survive
Their situation may seem hopeless and overwhelming
You can tell them I'm living proof by what He's done for me
The singer encourages others by sharing her own experiences of God's grace
All you have to do is simply just believe
She urges others to have faith in God's power to change their lives
Think about it He can make everything change
God has the power to transform our lives
He's giving me love unconditionally
The singer feels blessed by God's unconditional love
Treating my soul with everything I need
God provides for her every need
Now have faith in what you hope for and not in what you see
She advises to trust in God's plan, even if it's not clear yet
Believe in what I say to you and keep your eyes on Me
She urges to trust in God's promises and focus on Him
Don't doubt what I can do, I love you just like that
God's love is unfailing and powerful
won finu seka won fode sotito
The singer emphasizes that actions have consequences and we must be careful and kind
awa
The song ends with the repetition of the word 'awa', which means 'let us' in Yoruba, inviting everyone to join in faith and love.
Contributed by Anna J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Clarice
on Moti Mo
This was very helpful, thanks.
Iwaju
on Ekilo Fomo Ode
Each individual does their thing