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.
Ma Jaiye Oni
King Sunny Ade Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mi o m'eyin ola o
Ma j'aye oni o
Mi o m'eyin ola o
Iba akoda to da ti e s'ori ewe
Iba akoda to da ti e s'ori ewe
Iba aseda to da ti e s'ile iyepe
Iba atete ko d'aye to da ti e s'ofurufu
Iba atete ko d'aye to da ti e s'ofurufu
Mo se iba araye e je ki n j'aye ori mi
Ma j'aye oni o
Mi o m'eyin ola o
Ma j'aye oni o
Mi o m'eyin ola o
The song "Ma Jaiye Oni" by King Sunny Ade is a traditional Yoruba song that is commonly played during celebrations such as weddings and parties. The lyrics of the song speak to the importance of celebrating life and being grateful for the blessings that we have. The chorus translates to "Do not be downcast today, for I have not lost my precious eye. Do not be downcast today, for I have not lost my precious eye." The singer is reminding the listener that despite any setbacks or challenges they may face, they should be grateful for what they have and not lose hope.
The verses of the song pay homage to various individuals who have contributed to the community. They mention an "akoda" or driver who has successfully navigated the roads, a "aseda" or weaver who has created beautiful fabric, and an "atete" or wrestler who has won a match. By highlighting these individuals, the song is celebrating the achievements of the community as a whole and reinforcing the idea that everyone has a role to play.
Overall, "Ma Jaiye Oni" is a song that celebrates life and encourages gratitude. It reminds us to appreciate the blessings that we have and to keep moving forward, even when facing challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
Ma j'aye oni o
Don't let me suffer today
Mi o m'eyin ola o
I don't have any money today
Iba akoda to da ti e s'ori ewe
I pay my respects to the driver who carries me on his shoulders
Iba aseda to da ti e s'ile iyepe
I pay my respects to the one who makes the bed for me
Iba atete ko d'aye to da ti e s'ofurufu
I pay my respects to the one who pounds yam and makes soup for me
Mo se iba araye e je ki n j'aye ori mi
I salute all the people, let them not mock me
Ma j'aye oni o
Don't let me suffer today
Mi o m'eyin ola o
I don't have any money today
Writer(s): King Sunny Ade
Contributed by Charlie K. 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