By Cheerio, Abou Whyte
You have accomplished a calling
With gong and aplomb
The mastery of aptitude
The riveting deep-toned voice
Great proponent and guardian of our well-regarded ethos
There was in you a singer, drummer, painter and sculpture
I still hear your name
Engraved in the tongues of the masses
I still hear your voice
“Good morning Sierra Leone; Good afternoon, Freetown”
The melodies playing from the stereos
Marinating across the atmosphere
Of Foullah Town, OK-Murray, Fourah Bay, Aberdeen and beyond
A name renowned among our people
The Mohammedans and Christians, a son and brother
The dimly stridden days
Of Merry-Go Jazz
The Muyei Power
The parade of lanterns through the streets of Freetown
Fredrick Street, Freetown Central One
The envy and elegance of Vimto Lantern
Coupled with the rhythm of the boubou
The echoes of the tabule
Or the rumbling of the goombay
At the dance of ashobi
There was the watch of Tahajud
The congregation of believers
For the festivity of Eid Ul-Fitr
Paint memmories anew
This lingering nostalgia mixed with the existent reality
Sends outpouring of celebration and lamentation
Deep at this juncture
Is the salatu janaza
Al Jana welcomes you.
Randolph L. A. Wilson
