A chant of Oxalá in his quality of Ajalá, which shapes the heads (orí). Listen to the video above and follow the lyrics.
Ofurufú é Aláyê o Ajalá
Babá ki yèyè Eleejigbô
Ilé Ifá ki ojú ê babá
Ejigbo ré é mo júba awo
É um ayê
É ma awo é ma awo ala isê
Elémówo Babá Sirê ô
The lyrics and meaning
The spelling is phonetic. Ofurufú is the 'firmament', the sky of Oxalá; Ajalá is the quality that shapes the heads (orí) of beings. It mentions Ejigbô, the sacred city linked to Oxalá, and Ilé Ifá, the house of Ifá. It is a praise to the creator father and his wisdom (mojuba awo).
Who is Oxalá
Oxalá is the greatest of the Orixás, father of all, lord of creation and peace, dressed in white (the alá). Greeting: Epa Babá! See the complete profile of Oxalá.
When this chant is sung
The chants of Oxalá usually close the xirê, in the ijexá drumming, in a serene atmosphere. Everything is covered in white in his honor.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'Epa Babá' mean?
It is the greeting to Oxalá, the father of all Orixás. 'Babá' means 'father'; the expression reveres the lord of creation and peace.
