A traditional Oxóssi chant, with the lyrics in Yoruba and the pronunciation as chanted in the circle. Listen in the video above.
E Òrisà odé lò okò
E oun ofà Akueran
E aráiye
Odé aréré òkè
E Òrisà elo
E oun ofà Akueran
Oló dó bí ewè
Oló dó bí ewè bàbá
Oló dó bí ewè
The lyrics and meaning
The spelling is phonetic. The chant greets Odé (the hunter) Akueran, who helps all of humanity (aráiye) from the top of the hill (òkè), with his ofá (bow and arrow). The second verse, Oló dó bí ewè, links Oxóssi to the leaves (ewé) of the forest, from where he draws sustenance and healing.
Who is Oxóssi
Oxóssi is the king of the forests and lord of the hunt, Orixá of abundance, knowledge, and sharp intelligence. Greeting: Okê Arô! See the complete profile of Oxóssi.
When this chant is sung
The chants of Oxóssi enter the xirê and are usually sung in the aguerê toque, vibrant and fast like the hunter's run in the forest.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'Okê Arô' mean?
It is the greeting to Oxóssi, the hunter. It works as a cry of respect to the king of the forest, evoking his accurate aim and his protection.
