A chant from the xirê of Nanã, the grandmother of the pantheon. Listen in the video above and follow the lyrics.
Ibi Nàná Iyô
Olú Obó
Nàná Iyô
A in ala ore
A iku do lose
O kolodo si sa lejua
Ari ku ma ore
Sa lawajo
Oluwo ku kewajo
Oloore
The lyrics and meaning
The spelling is phonetic. The chant repeats the name of Nàná in the form of praise (Iyô, 'mother'), greeting her as Olóòre 'the benevolent', 'she who does good'. It is a chant of reverence to the wisdom and kindness of the oldest Orixá.
Who is Nanã
Nanã is the oldest of the Orixás of the waters, mistress of mud, clay, and ancestry, linked to birth and death. Greeting: Saluba Nanã! See the complete profile of Nanã.
When this chant is sung
The chants of Nanã enter the xirê and praise her ancestral wisdom, her patience, and her role as the grandmother of the pantheon.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'Saluba Nanã' mean?
It is the greeting to Nanã, the oldest Orixá. It expresses respect and reverence to the matriarch, mistress of clay and ancestry.
