Milo Rigaud's Songs Hebblethwaite, Apolon and Jean-Baptiste

8/9/2019 Milo Rigaud's Songs Hebblethwaite, Apolon and Jean-Baptiste

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1 Copyright 2012 Benjamin Hebblethwaite, Musset Apolon and Tahiri Jean-Baptiste

Funded by the NEH Collaborative Grants

Rigauds (1953) Vodou Songs

Transcribed and translated by BenjaminHebblethwaite, Musset Apolon and TahiriJean-Baptiste

This file provides the corrected HaitianCreole texts and their translations from MiloRigauds (1953) work,La tradition voudoo et le voudoo hatien, son temple,ses mystres, sa magie

http://www.dloc.com/AA00002240/00001/130j

1Legba Gran Chemen, nou prale.Ago... Ago Ye!Legba Gran Chemen,nou prale w si na pase.Legba Gran Chemen, nou prale w, Papa, sina pase.Si na pase Gran Chemen, mon wa!Si na pase, Legba;si na pase...Ago! Gran Chemen, nou prale w, Papa,si na pase.O Ago! ... Ago Ye! (rit yanvalou)

2Danbala Wdo, gade pitit ou yo, he!Ayida Wdo, men pitit ou yo, he!Danbala Wdo, gade pitit ou yo, o!A ye, a ye, o!Danbala, men zanfan ou la. (rit yanvalou)

3 [p. 62]Toulejou Makandal ape pale ak Desalin,

The acclamations of some of Vodous rites:

Ayibobo Rada rite (Dahomey)Aoche Nago Yoruba rite

Avotayi Kongo riteTchya-vod hountayi Rada riteSoy-Ibo[soi-ibo] Ibo riteBilolo! andAdyoman!and Bounda fache a t, kote lichita? A t Petwo rite (Rigaud 1953:349fn)

1Legba Gran Chemen, we are going.Ago Ago Ye!Legba Gran Chemen,we will go see if we will pass.Legba Gran Chemen, we will go see, Papa, ifwe will pass.If we will pass, Gran Chemen, my king!If we will pass, Legba;if we will pass ...Ago! Gran Chemen, we will see, Papa,

if we will pass.Oh Ago! ... Ago Ye!

2Hey Danbala Wdo, look at your children !Hey Ayida Wdo, here are your children !Oh Danbala Wdo, look at your children !Aye, Aye, oh!Danbala, your children are here.

3Every day Makandal talks to Dessalines,
http://www.dloc.com/AA00002240/00001/130jhttp://www.dloc.com/AA00002240/00001/130jhttp://www.dloc.com/AA00002240/00001/130jhttp://www.dloc.com/AA00002240/00001/130jhttp://www.dloc.com/AA00002240/00001/130j


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Desalin pa vle koute.L ape moute desann lakay Loman.Loman f li dou.

4 [63]Defile w;Defile pe!

Nan Pon Wouj sila a,Loman f Desalin dousman.Grann Alouba Ouganman, konplo sila a,li f pase wanga.Jeneral Desalin o! Gade miz mwen,gade traka peyi a,peyi a chavire.

(Defile, fanm fou a ki te ranmase moso kDesalin)

5Lanper Desalin o!Kle ounf a lan men ou deja,pa kite li gate.Ou se vanyan gason,pa kite peyi a tonbe,li lan men ou deja.

Dessalines does not want to listen.He is going back and forth to Lomans home.Loman makes him soft.

4Defile sees;Defile shuts up!

On this Red Bridge,Loman killed Dessalines.Granny Alouba Ouganman, this conspiracy,Its more powerful than Wanga.Oh General Dessalines! Look at my miseryLook at the worry of the country,The country is upside down.

(Defile, the mad woman who picked up pieces ofDessalines body)

5Oh Emperor Dessalines!The key of the ounf is already in your hands,do not let it spoil.You are a valient man,do not let the country fall,it is already in your hands.


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Loko De, Loko Miwa Ze,Lanper Desalin,pa kite peyi a gate.

6 [68]Loko De, Wa De,Loko Miwa o!Lanper Desalin,kle ounf a nan men ou,

ou p ap kite li gate peyi a.Loko De, Wa De,Loko Miwa o!Lanper Desalin,kle ounf a nan men ou,ou p ap kite li gate peyi a.

7 [69]Tire kannon, Marint; tire kannonTire kannon an, Marint; tire kannon...

8 [70]Eya! Mtrs Boukan.Eya! Mtrs Boukan.Eya! Lwa Lyon!Eya! Lwa Lyon!

De Loko, Loko Miwa Ze,Emperor Dessalines,do not let the country spoil.

6Loko De, King De,oh Loko Miwa!Emperor Dessalines,the key to the ounf is in your hands,

you will not let it spoil the country.Loko De King De,oh Loko Miwa!Emperor Dessalines,the key to the ounf is in your hands,you will not let it spoil the country.

7Fire the cannon, Marint; fire the cannon ...Fire the cannon, Marint ; fire the cannon ...

8Oh yeah Boukan Mistress!Oh yeah Boukan Mistress!Oh yeah Lion Lwa!Oh yeah Lion Lwa!


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9 [120]Kawol in Sez i ; se lwa m wen

Danbala Wdo, m ap ba w Bondye.M se kreyl Kongo, m pa st o!Danbala Wdo, kote ou ye?Soly la leve nan peyi Kongo! (rit Kongo)

10Benga, manman mwen!O, Zoklimo pale, yo pa koute.Wy o!Benga manman,si ou pa tounen nan peyi a,

pouse ale Zo wiPouse ale Kenbwa Salay,Pouse ale, mi saly! (rit Kaplaw).

11O Legba kmande!

Vye Legba kmande!Kmande yo. (rit Rada)

9Kawol in Sez i ; she s my lwa

Danbala Wdo, I will give you God.I am a Kongo Creole, oh I am not dumb!Danbala Wdo, where are you?The sun rises in Kongo country! (Kongo rhythm)

10Benga, my mother!Oh, Zoklimo talks, they do not listen.Oh my!Mother Benga,if you do not go back to the country,

yes go away Zo...go away Kenbwa Salay,go away, mi saly! (Kaplaw rhythm)

11Oh Legba commands!

Old Legba commands!Command them. (Rada rhythm)


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12Panyen kouvri panyen, nanchon Ibo.Panyen kouvri panyen.

Men panyen! Grann Ibo, men panyen.Panyen kouvri panyen, nanchon Ibo(rit Ibo)

13 [121]Gade mwen la. Tate!O! Gade mwen la. Tate Kofre!Bo Wanminan.Wanminan, konsa n ap blayi ye!Wanminan, e! Gade mwen chire.(rit Anmin)

14Ewa Zan.Ewa Zan Zan nanchon Ibo!Ewananchon Ibo!Viv nanchon Ibo!Kote Grann Ibo? Ewa!

E! Wa Ibo manje chen(rit Ibo-Mondong)

12Baskets cover baskets, Ibo nation.Baskets cover baskets.

Here are baskets! Granny Ibo, here are baskets.Baskets cover baskets, Ibo nation ...(Ibo rhythm)

13Look at me here

Tate!Oh! Look at me hereTate Kofre!Bo Wanminan.Wanminan, we are laying like this , yeah!Wanminan, hey! look, I am torn.(Anmin rhythm)

14Oh yeahZan.Oh yeahZan Zan... Ibo nation!Oh yeah Ibo nation!Long live the Ibo nation!Where is Granny Ibo? Ewa!

Hey! The Ibo king eats dogs(Ibo-Mondong rhythm)


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15

Ayi, manman, en!Tanbou mwen releJou m alonje ayi!Ayi! Manman. (rit Petwo)

16Twou sa twou sarele twou Salengwo.Na rele twou Salengwo.Twou sa twou sarele twou Salengwo!Twou sa twou saRele twou Salengwo! (rit Salengwo)

17Zand!Li ale, Zand!Ki l li ye?Zand!

Li ale, Zand! (rit Kita Zand)

18

15

Ayi, mother, hey!My drum calls...My days are lengthened... ayi!Ayi! Mother. (Petwo rhythm)

16This hole this hole ...is called Salengros hole.We will call Salengwos hole.This hole this hole...is called Salengros hole!This hole this hole...is called Salengros hole!

17Zand!He left, Zand!What time is it?Zand!

He left, Zand! (Kita Zand rhythm)

18


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Wanminan!Sa sa ye, Wanminan?Tate Kofre, sa sa ye?Alada derive.Sa li ye, Wanminan gad o?

(rit Anmin Makanda)

19 [122]

(Chant pour le mystre Manman Brigit)

Manman Brigit! Manman mwen!O! ou w sa:Alantou kay la, genyen dife ladan li.Nou chache bwa pou nou sanble dife;Nou chache dlo pou nou touye dife;Lapli pa tonbeOu pa w? T a glise.(rit Yanvalou)

20a.Bagi a lovi, monwa!

Se sa, m a w yo.Ayi! Manmoulevi.Se sa, Mayi Gwet.Podyab! Posso nou deE! anye!(rit Yanvaloufla Vodoun)

Wanminan!What is this, Wanminan?Tate Kofre, what is this?Alada derives.What is it, oh Wanminan gad.

(Anmin Makanda rhythm)

19

(Song for the spirit Mother Brigit)

Mother Brigit! My mother!Oh! You see that:Around the house, there is fire inside it.We look for wood to assemble a fire;we looked for water to put out the fire;it did not rainCant you see? The ground is slippery.(Yanvalou rhythm)

20a.The lovi altar, my king!

Thats right, I will see them.Ayi! Manmoulevi.Thats right, Mayi Gwet.Poor thing Posso us both...Hey! Oh yeah!(Yanvaloufla Vodoun rhythm)


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20b.(Chant pour le mystre Madmoiselle Anaise)

Annayiz! An Nago, pitit la ape kriyeYe, ye! Ba li tete. Ye, ye!...(li) ape kriye, ye, ye!Bali tete, ye, ye!Gade: m nan baton. Ye, ye!Ba li tete, ye, ye!(rit Mayi)

21(Chant pour le mystre, Nan Kiyou)

Kouzen Nankiyou, se pa sa ou te di mwen.Ou te di mwen konsa:Jou ou a plase av m, ou a marye av mNanpwen wb, nanpwen chemiz.

Granmesi, yon pye mango ki te gen anba aKi pare lon mwen.(rit Matinik)

22(Chant pour le mystre Ogou Chalode)

Liki, liki o!Liki, liki o!Ogou Chalode

20b.(Song for the spirit Miss Anaise)

Annayiz! In Nago, the child is crying...Yeah, yeah! Breast feed her. Yeah, yeah!...(she) is crying, yeah, yeah!Breast feed her, yeah, yeah!Look: I am on a cane. Yeah, yeah!Breast feed her yeah, yeah!(Mayi rhythm)

21(Song for the spirit Nan Kiyou)

Cousin Nan Kiou, this is not what you told me.You told me that:The day you live with me, you will marry me...no dress, no shirt.

Thankfully, a mango tree that was below,saved my honor.(Matinik rhythm)

22(Song for the spirit Ogou Shalode)

Oh Liki, Liki!Oh Liki, Liki!Ogou Shalode ...


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Papa Ogou Jakouman,Papa Ogou Chalode.Liki, liki o!Liki, liki o!Ogou Chalode (rit Krabiy Nago)

23 [123](Chant pour le mystre Legba)

Legba nan ounf mwen!Legba nan ounf mwen!Ou menm ki pote chapo,se pou pare soly pou mwenLegba Kongo nan ounf mwen,Mondong Mousayi nan ounf mwen.(rit Kongo)

24(Chant pour le mystre Marint-limen-dife)

Marint Bwa Chch,

ou pa genyen byen pou ou w.Limen dife.Ti Jan, ou pa ganyen byen pou ou w.Limen dife.Chanprl, ou pa genyen byen pou ou w.Limen dife.Marint bwa chchLimen dife. (rit Petwo)

Papa Ogou Jakouman,Papa Ogou Chalode.Oh Liki, Liki!Oh Liki, Liki!Ogou Chalode ... (Krabiy Nago rhythm)

23(Song for the spirit Legba)

Legba is in my temple!Legba is in my temple!You who wear hats,block the sun for me ...Legba Kongo is in my temple,Mondong Mousayi is in my temple.(Kongo rhythm)

24(Song for the spirit Marint-Light-the-Fire)

Marinette Skinny Legs,

you have no wealth to see.Start the fire.Ti Jan, you have no wealth to see.Start the fire.Chanprl, you have no good to see.Start the fire.Marint dry woods...Start the fire. (Petwo rhythm)


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25 [124](Song for the lwa Desalin)

Tousen te mouri mal, o!Li menm (Desalin),pa p mouri mal.Desalin, towo d Ayiti,Yakanbanda,Mwen san manman, san papa,Yo fin touye tout ras la,Yo pa touye mwen.

Tousen te mouri mal, ooo!Li menm pa p mouri mal.Desalin se towo d Ayiti.Jou a, e!Pawl la te pale deja.Desalin Gangan,Pawl la te pale deja(rit Petwo)

26 [129](Chant pour Legba,loa des portes et des routes)

25(Song for the spirit Desalin)

Oh Toussaint died unjustly !As for him (Dessalines),he is not afraid of dying unjustly .Dessalines, chief of Haiti,Yakanbanda,I am without a mother, without a father,They killed the whole race,They did not kill me.

Oh Toussaint died unjustly !he is not afraid to die unjustly .Dessalines is the chief of Haiti.The day, hey!The word was already spoken.GanganDessalines,the word was already spoken(Petwo rhythm)

26(Song for Legba,spirit of doors and of roads)


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Legba Gran Chemen, nou prale.Ago Agoye!Legba Gran Chemen,nou prale w si na pase.

Legba Gran Chemen,nou prale w, Papa,si na pase.Si na pase, Gran Chemen, mon wa!Si na pase, Legba;si na paseAgo! Gran Chemen,nou prale w, Papa, si na pase.O Ago! Agoye! (rit Yanvalou)

27(Chant pour Danbala et Ayida Wdo)

Danbala Wdo, gade pitit ou yo, hey!Ayida Wdo, men pitit ou yo, hey!

Danbala Wdo, gade pitit ou yo, o!Anye, anye o!Danbala, men zanfan ou la.

28 [130](Chant pour Aloumandya, un des mystresmt tt of Dessalines; Aloumandya y estassoci aux mystres Osany Bakoule et OgouBadagri)

Legba Gran Chemen, we are going.AgoAgoye!Legba Gran Chemen,we are going to see if we will pass.

Legba Gran Chemen,We are going to see, Papa,if we are going to pass.If we will pass, Great Path, my king!If we will pass, Legba;if we will passAgo! Gran Chemen,we are going to see, Papa, if we will pass.O Ago! Agoye! (Yanvalou rhythm)

27(Song for Danbala and Ayida Wdo)

Danbala Wdo, look at your children, hey!Ayida Wdo, here are your children, hey!

O Danbala Wdo, look at your children!Oh yeah, oh yeah!Danbala, here are your children.

28(Song for Aloumandya, one of the mt tt spirits(personally served spirits) of Dessalines;Aloumandya is associated with the spirits OsanyBakoule and Ogou Badagri)


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Aloumandya e!Osany o!Ogou o!Osany Bakoule ki mande drapo.

Aloumandya e!Osany o!Ogou o!Ogou Badagri ki mande drapo,Nou tout bare (rit Nago)

29(Chant pour Ezili Freda)

Se chans o! O, se chans o!Se pa wanga ou genyen; se chans o!Grann Ezili Freda, se chans ou ganyen.Se pa wanga ou ganyen;se chans, o mtrs. (rit Mayi)

30(Chant pour Mousondi ou une loamousongi)

Eya e! ya Mousondi!

Lwa sila, se lwa MousondiE ya e! e ya Mousondi!(rit Kongo-Krabiy)

Hey Aloumandya!Oh Osany!Oh Ogou!It is Osany Bakoule who asks for the flag.

Hey Aloumandya!Oh Osany!Oh Ogou!It is Ogou Badagri who asks for the flag,we are all blocked... (Nago rhythm)

29(Song for Ezili Freda)

Oh its luck! Oh, its luck!You dont have Wanga; oh its luck!Granny Ezili Freda, You have luck.You dont have a magic charm;its luck, oh mistress. (Mayi rhythm)

30(Song for Mousondi or a Mousongi spirit)

Eha he! eha Mousondi!

this spirit, is the spirit of MousondiEha he! Eha Mousondi!(Kongo-Krabiy rhythm)


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31(Chant-degr compose par le mystre Brize)

Lennmi bare mwen kay SantoM pase dejaZombie bare mwen kay SantoKay Santo, m pase deja! (rit Kata)

[Song for Gede Nibo, chief of the cemetery]

30E! Gwo sen, gwo lwaGede Nibo egare!E! gwo sen, gwo lwaPapa Gede egare. (rit Banda)

31 [131][Chante pou lwa Jan Zombi]

Jan Zombi! Wi wa, ba!Kondwi m ale.

Y ap bw tafya pou yo ftentendevan lwa mwen.Jan Zombi! Wi wa! Wi wa!Kondwi m ale.

31(Protective-song was composed by the spiritBrize)

Enemies stopped me at Santos house.I already passedZombies stopped me at Santos houseAt Santos house, I already passed! (Kata rhythm)

[Song for Gede Nibo, chief of the cemetery]

30Hey! Great saint, great Spirit...Gede Nibo is stupid!Hey! Great saint, great spirit...Papa Gede is stupid. (Banda rhythm)

31[Song for the Spirit of John Zombi]

Jan Zombie! Shoo, shoo, down!Drive me away.

They will drink alcohol so they can dostupid thingsin front of my spirit.Jan Zombie! Yes king! Yes king!Drive me away.


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[Chante pou Ayanman]

32Ayanman! Ibo Lele, Lele, Lele!Ayanman! Ibo Lele!Ayanman sa, konsa;Ayanman danse konsa.Ou pile pye m, ou pa di m padon.Ayanman sa, kon sa.Ayanman sa kon sa.

Sa padon ta f pou mwen? (rit IBO)

[Chant for Zo Klimo]

33Zo! Kman sa ye?Zo Benga, papa! Kman sa ye?Zo Klimo, papa! Kman sa ye?Si ounsi tonbe, pa kite l gateavan yo fouye twou. (rit Kaplaou)

[Song for Ayanman]

32Ayanman! Ibo Lele, Lele, Lele!Ayanman! Ibo Lele!This Ayanman, like this;Ayanman dances like this.You step on my feet, you do not say sorry.This Ayanman, like this.This Ayanman, like this.

What would an apology do for me?

[Chant for Bone Klimo]

33Zo! How is it?Zo Benga, man! How is it?Zo Klimo, man! How is it?If an ounsi falls, do not let her spoilbefore they dig the holes.


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34 [134]Gran AyizanSalye Legba!A l kile,Lajan kase wch.M ap mande kouman ye?Salye Legba.

Kreyl sonde miwa legba.Ayizan vye, vye.Kreyl sonde miwa legba.Legba vye, vye.Kreyl, sonde miwa Atibon Legba!

35 [137]Soly o!Ati Dan! Ibo Loko!Soly o!Papa! Ou pa moun isi.Achanj o! Ou soti lwen,

Soly o!Papa Loko, ou pa te vini pou ou rete,Poutan, ou pa kapab traverseSoly o!

34Great AyizanGreet Legba!At this time,Money breaks rock.I am asking, how are you?Greet Legba.

Creole rings Legbas mirror.Old, old Ayizan.Creole rings Legbas mirror.Old, old Legba.Creole, ring Atibon Legbas mirror!

35Oh sun!Ati Dan! Ibo Loko!Oh sun!Papa! You are not from here.Oh Archangel! You come a long way,

Oh sun!Papa Loko, you did not come to stay,However, you cannot cross...Oh sun!


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36 [183]Papa Sobo nan ounf,

li mande drapo.Drapo sila, ale wPapa Sobo nan ounf li mandedrapo lwa m nanO drapo sa ale w

37 [188]E ya gran p etnl, Sin djiyo eE ya gran p etnl, sin djiyo dkakweE ya, gran p etnl,si n nan men Bondye, osinanE ya Marasa Ginen, sin djiyo e

38 [189]Mwen Yanvalou Yenva,Mwen Yanva, o korani ye

39O Migl o, Mayo frMigl o eya mayo frO Mayo fr, Legba AtibonO Mayo fr, Loko AtisouO Mayofre, gran Ayizan Velekete.

36Father Sobo is in the ounf,

he asks for the flag.This flag, go see...Papa Sobo in the ounf, he asks forthe flag of my spiritOh this flag, go see...

37Eh ya, great lord father, Sinn djiyo eh ...Oh yeah great father, lord, Sinn djiyo dkakweOh yeah, great lord father,if we are in the hands of God, oh osinan...Eh ya Twins of Ginen, sinn djiyo eh...

38I am Yanvalou Yenva,I am Yanva, oh hey korani...

39Oh Migl, Mayo brother...Oh Migl oh yeah Mayo brother...Oh Mayo Brother, Legba Atibon...Oh Mayo Brother, Loko Atisou ...Oh Mayo Brother, great Ayizan Velekete.


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O Migl, o Mayo fr

40

A e plante i poto e!Legba plante i poto e

41 [190]E a koklo a deni e,Papa legba nan wezo o, an wezo

42M pral boule gozen pou lwa Alouba.M a pral boule gozen.Gozen sa, gozen Danbala Wedo

43 [192]Gozen mwen ap pran dife Ayibobo!

44 [193]Tolicha Legba m di ye

Ayi masa yi toto Salye Nago ye!Salye Nago, ng Nago wy,Ago Tolicha, salye Nago ye! (rit Nago)

Oh Miguel, Oh Mayo Brother...

40

Oh hey plant the center post!Hey Legba plants the center post!

41Oh yeah the rooster is deni,Papa Legba in wezo oh, in wezo

42I will burn gozen for the lwa Alouba.I will burn gozen.This gozen, Danbala Wedos gozen

43My gozen is catching fire Ayibobo!

44Tolicha Legba, I say hey

Ayi masa yi toto... hey greet Nago!Greet Nago, Nago wy man,Hey Ago Tolicha, greet Nago! (Nago rhythm)


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45E, liki liki e; Jan Pl Nago; ya ye!Liki, liki e Ogou ChalodLiki liki o, o Nago; Ogou Ashad.

46 [194]Dya rele dyadya keke, keke dya!

Dya rele dya!Gede Nibo! Dya keke, keke dya!Baron Samedi! Dya keke, keke dya!

47 [196]

O goli ye, goli ye wa,pt-drapo, goli yeO Gilimen goli ye wa, goli ye wa opt drapoO pt drapo!Pt drapo, ban mwen lanmen pou m leve!O Goli ye wa, goli ye wa o pt drapo

48 [210]On la mezon (3)On mtrs kay mwen.M kriye: on la mezonMesye e dam, bon swa.

45Hey, liki liki; Jean Paul Nago; oh yeah!Hey Liki, Liki Ogou ChalodOh Liki Liki, oh Nago; Ogou Ashad.

46Dya called dyadya keke, keke dya!

Dya called dya!Gede Nibo! Dya keke, keke dya!Baron Samedi! Dya Keke, Keke Dya!

47

Oh goli ye, goli ye wa,flag-bearers, goli yeOh Gilimen goli ye wa, oh goli ye wa,Oh flag-bearersOh flag-bearers!Flag-bearers, give me a hand so I can get up!Oh goli ye wa, goli ye wa, oh flags-bearers

48Honor for the house(3)Honor for the mistress of my house.I cried: honor for the houseLadies and gentlemen, good evening.


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49 [211]Legba nan ounf mwen (3)Ou menm ki pote drapo,Se ou menm k a pare soly pou mwen.Papa legba nan ounf mwen (3)Ou menm ki pote drapo,Se ou menm k a pare soly pou lwa yo.

50 [212]Salye mwen gangan, salye mwen.A Ap Legbasalye mwen,gangan salye papa mSe pitit Boukan Maza;papa m se pitit Briz Montay.Wi, salye mwen, salye mwen oPapa m se pitit Silamoyo.Wi! Salye mwen Briz Montay,Kraze l zo, kraze l manb,Ng Kasa Banbila, Bila Kongo,

Bila LouvembaSalye mwen, gangan

49Legba in my ounf (3)You who carry the flag,Its you who will block the sun for me.Papa Legba in my ounf (3)It is you who carries the flag,Its you who will block the sun for the spirits.

50Greet me gangan, greet me.Ah Ap Legba greets me,gangan greet my fatherHes Boukan Mazas child;my father is the son of the Briz Montay.Yes, greet me, oh greet meMy father is the son of Silamoyo.Yes! Greet me Briz Montay,Breaking the bones, breaking the arms,Kasa Banbila man,

Bila Kongo, Bila Louvemba ...Greet me, gangan..


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51Kay mwen santi foula,o Toutou Bilango.Makaya, m santi foulaTwa fy, twa pwen, m santi foula!Toutou Bilango.Kay o kay o kay mwen santifoula,Toutou Bilango!

52 [213]Batala o Batala eyan Pongwe,Simbi AndezoBatala o, o Batala,Simbi KongoBatala o, o Batala,Simbi An PakaBatala o, o Batala.

E yan Pongwe!Simbi An KitaBatala o, o Batala.

53 [214]Marasa Simbi, m angaje nan peyi a.

Marasa Ginen, Marasa Lakt,Marasa Lafrik, m angaje nan peyi a!

54 [215]

51My house smells like vaporized rum,oh Toutou Bilango.Makaya, I smell vaporized rum...Three-leaf, three points, I smell vaporized rum!Toutou Bilango.Oh Home oh home...my house smells like vaporized rum,Toutou Bilango!

52Oh Batala, hey BatalaYan Pongwe,Simbi AndezoBatala oh, oh Batala,Simbi KongoBatala oh, oh Batala,Simbi An PakaBatala oh, oh Batala.

Hey Yan Pongwe!Simbi An KitaBatala oh, oh Batala.

53Simbi Twins, I am in trouble in the country.

Marasa Ginen, Marasa of the Coast,African Marasa, I am in trouble in the country

54


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Kounba kabrit telekou e.Kounba, kounba kabrit, telekyou e,kabrit telekou

55 [216]Tout fanmi an, yo sanble...Lafanmi sanble.E, kreyl, o nou la.Ago ye!Lafanmi sanble.Nanpwen Ginen ank

56Vin peye san,seremoni an bl oLafanmi, vin peye san non!Seremoni a bl oO... a a yo lafanmi, vin peye san!

57Simbi nan bary, zt poko konnen mwen.

Ala nou rive, nou prale gate,koumande.Gade nou rive, nou prale gatekoumande!Ye! Simbi Andezo, Yanpaka Pongwe!M di: ye! Kenbwa Salay!Salam a salay!Simbi nan bary, zt poko konnen mwen.

Hey goat kounba telekou.Hey Kounba, goat kounba, telekyou,telekou goats...

55All the families, they have assembled...The family has assembled.Hey, Creole, oh we are here.Ago ye!The family has assembled.There is no more

Ginen

56Come pay for the blood,oh the ritual is beautiful...Family, come and pay for the blood!Oh the ritual is beautiful...Oh... ah to them... family, come pay in blood!

57Simbis at the gate, others do not know me yet.

We have arrived here, we're going to spoil,command!Look, we arrived, we're going to destroycommand!Yeah! Simbi Yandezo, Yanpaka Pongwe!I said: yeah! Kenbwa Salay!Salam a salay!Simbi at the gate, others dont know me yet.


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[217] 58Zo Adye Zo Tabaty m tonbe,Kote m a jwenn li?Zo Adye Zo(3)Wi! O Kenbwa ma salay! Simbi Anpaka!Simbi lan Dezo! Wi! Simbi an Kita!Grand Adjyakonve, Grand Simbi!

59Papa Simbi, rasin kmande.Fy nan bwa, se mwen menm rasin o.Simbi Andezo, rasin kmande!Fy nan bwa. Se nou menm, rasin o.

60 [218]Mwen nan san korali wanniye... anye!Mwen nan san Simbi nan Dezo,Simbi AnpakaAle mande Jan Py Pongwe.

Ya ye, mwen nan san e

58Bones Oh goodness bones myTabatyfell,Where will I find it?Bones oh goodness bones... (3)Yes! O Kenbwa ma salay! Simbi Anpaka!Simbi in Two Waters! Yes! Simbi in Kita!Great Adjyakonve, Great Simbi!

59Papa Simbi, the root commands.Leaves in the trees, oh its really me.Simbi Andezo, the root commands!Leaves in the trees. It is us, oh roots.

60I am in the blood of korali wanniye... oh yeah!I am in the blood of Simbi Andezo,Simbi Anpaka...Go ask Jan Py Pongwe.

Yeah hey, I am in the blood...


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61 [246]Lafanmi sanble en e oLafanmi, sanble non

e Agweto, sa ede [hind].N a va ede yo Lafanmi, en e oN a va ede Papa Loko Atisou.Lafanmi sanble en e oN a va ede gran Ayizan Velekete.Lafanmi sanble en e oLafanmi sanble non,e Agwet, Gwt sa hendeN a ede Marasa Dosou Dosa Dogwe.E Agwt! Ou ka ede yo vre.

62 [259]Eya! Marasa: dosou, dosa, sendy e!Eya! Legba Atibon, sendy, Dye kwaye1

61The family assembles, huh hey oh...The family assembles...

eh Agweto, that help.We will help them...The family, huh hey oh...We will help Papa Loko AtisouThe family assembles... huh hey oh...We will help great Ayizan Velekete.The family assembles... huh hey oh...The family assembles,hey Agwet, Gwt saede ...We will help Marasa Dosou Dosa DogweHey Agwt! You can really help them.

62Eha! Marasa Dosou Dosa, hey sendy!Oh yeah! Legba Atibon, sendy, Dye kwaye ...

1Rigaud (1953) notes that this is the altered pronunciation of Do-coi Agoueh or Do-cor A-kou which might be

rendered in the IPN Haitian Creole spelling system asDokwa Agwe orDo-k A-kwe.


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66Banga, manman mwen o!Zoklimo pale, yo pa koute.Way o!Banga manman! Si w ale, ou pa tounenPouse ale Zo wi.Pouse ale, Kenbwa salay,Pouse ale, mi saloy!

67 [261]O Yege! O Yege sa a!Pale pitit a yo;ounsi kanzo, pale ounsi bosal.Pale ounsi la yo.

Ounsi bosal, pale ounsi kanzo.Nan Ginen ou prale mache temer.O, le Yege, papa!Wi, nan Ginen, papa, nou prale w yo.O Yege! O Yege sa a!

68 [319]Ye! Se anba w soti, w ape monte.M soti anba, m ape monteYon pe dlo m pase mande.

66Banga, oh my mother...Zoklimo speaks, they dont listen.Oh my!Banga mother! If you go, you do not return...Yes, go away Zo.Go away, Kenbwa salay,Go away, mi saloy!

67Oh Yege! Oh, that Yege.Warn the children;ounsi kanzo, warn ounsi bosal.Warn these ounsi.

Ounsi bosal, warn ounsi kanzo.In Ginen, you will boldy walk.Oh, le Yege, papa!Yes, in Ginen, father, we will go see them.Oh Yege! Oh this Yege!

68Yeah! You are from below, youre ascending.I am from the bottom, Im ascendingI am asking for a little bit of water.


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Yon pe dlo Kouzen Zaka mande nou,Ti gout dlo Kouzen mande nou,Nanpwen gode o!O! m soti anba m ape monteLestomak mwen k ape kraze

69 [348]N a remsye, n a remsye yo

Apre Bondye, n a remsye yo.Apre Bondye, nou la; n a remsye yo;N a remsye Dye devan ougan,N a remsye dlo dmi ouganN a remsye, n a remsye yo.N a remsye ougenikon,N a remsye ounsi kanzo (rit Yanvalou)

70Banga manman mwen O, Zoklimo!Ou pale, yo pa koute. Way o!Banga manman, si w ale,ou pa tounen nan peyi a.

Pouse ale, Zo wiPouse ale, kenbwa salay,Pouse ale, mi saloy.

Kouzen Zaka is asking us for a little bit of waterKouzen asks us for a little bit of waterOh there are no cups!Oh! I am from below and Im ascending...My stomach is breaking...

69Well thank, we will thank them...

After God, we will thank them.After God, were here; we will thank them;We will thank God before the oungan,We will thank the still waters of the oungan...We will thank, we will thank them.We will thank ougenikon,We will thank ounsi kanzo... (Yanvalou rhythm)

70Banga my mother... Oh, Zoklimo!You speak, they do not listen. Oh my!Banga mother, if you go,you dont come return to the country.

Yes go away, Zo...Go away, kenbwa salay,Go away, mi saloy.


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71Minoke Legba ago Legba.Ago Legba, ago Legba!Go Legba, go Legba.

Minoke ago Legba...

72Zouzou zouzou zi za, yi mankou twile.Bleo, bleo

Marasa Ginen, a yi mankou twile;Bleo, bleoYo mankou twile, marasa Ginen;Bleo, bleo

73 [349]Yoruba original said to be know in Haiti:

Olih kolo mon deh, abobo! A wa na...: Nwa , abobo...

Abobo fo laga jigi lgan Ikou kati, ko ka mi...:Ehou mi kpon, ma gnon:O lou ib If,To m mdeh ma non yi rLobi Olo-run

73Se mwen ki pote seky, abobo!A! Se ou menm?Wi, se mwen, abobo!

M gen pouvwa pou m rete chanteanpeche lanm pran m,paske si ou touye m, se yon krim,piske se gran wa Ife,kotemotlpa janm ale,

71Minoke Legba ago Legba.Ago Legba, ago Legba ago!Go Legba, Legba Go.

Minoke ago Legba...

72Zouzou zouzou za zi, yi mankou twile.Bleo, bleo ...

Marasa Ginen, a yi mankou twile;Bleo, bleo ...Yo mankou twile, Marasa Ginen;Bleo, bleo ...

73French translation offered by Rigaud:

Je suis le porteur de cercueil, Abobo! Ah! Ah! Cest toi? Cest bien moi, Abobo...

Je coupe lair (le chant) avec autorit.Garde-moi de la mort insatiable...Me tuer serait un crime,Car le Grand Roi dIfLe pays o ne vont pas les vivants,A cre la Lumire.

73It is me who carries coffins, abobo3!Ah! Its really you?Yes, its me, abobo!

I have power to stop singingto prevent death from taking me away,because if you kill me, it is a crime,since its the great king of Ife,where mortals have never been,

3The oungenikon sings abobo! in between songs, to cut into the rhythms in songs, and to interrupt songs(Rigaud 1953:349).Abobois a central Haitian Creole expression of praise that is also used in the secular sphereto express great joy.


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Ogan, dede, ogan Savalou,Dede Ogan, Ogan e e e e e.

76 [393]Ba roule, Agwet! (Repeat over and over)

Ogan, dede, Ogan Savalou5,Dede Ogan, hey Ogan....

76Roll low, Agwet! (Repeat over and over)

5Savalou is the name of a town in Dahomey and Benin today.

Documents

Milo Rigaud's Songs Hebblethwaite, Apolon and Jean-Baptiste