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This song, which was popular with sailors, is thought to be from the Efik/Ibibio people in the southern part of Nigeria. (source: Nigerian Languages Project FB page)
Lyrics - Fusion of Efik/Ibibio & Igbo
(Nigerian folk song)
Eh soom boo kawaya
Kedou, kadee.
Eh soom boo kawaya
Kedou, kadee.
Kedou, kadee, kedou, kadee.
Ahhhhh,
Soom boom kawaya,
Kedou, kadee.
Lyrics - Efik/Ibibio
So̹ñ ubo̹k wat inyañ
Kee dim ke di
So̹ñ ubo̹k wat inyañ
Kee dim ke di
Kee dim ke di, Kee dim ke di
Aa aa aaaaa
So̹ñ ubo̹k wat inyañ
Kee dim ke di
(source: Nigerian Languages Project FB page)
English Translation - Paddle Fast
Paddle fast,
Rain is approaching,
Paddle fast,
Rain is approaching,
Rain is approaching, rain is approaching,
Ahhhhhhh
Paddle fast,
Rain is approaching.
(source: Nigerian Languages Project FB page)
See also
- Country: Nigeria
- Harmony: Orff arrangements / chords I IV V
- Melody: D,E,F#,G,A,B,C
- Meter: 4
- Rhythm:
 / syncopation - Scale: major
YouTube
- Printable & Digital Visuals
- Song with chords, Orff arrangement
- MIDI file
- Listen to the song
2 thoughts on “Eh Soom Boo Kawaya”
I learned this from another music teacher in our district…..
translation – the clouds are gathering, paddle faster.
4-6 students in a boat
Measures 1-4 : paddle 4 beats on each side
Measures 5-6 : Paddle 2 beats on each side
measures 7-8 : raise up arms and look at the clouds
Measures 9-10 : Paddle Faster!!!
Great! Thank you!