Info
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
(Nigerian folk song)
Eh soom boo kaway
Kedou, kadee.
Eh soom boo kaway
Kedou, kadee.
Kedou, kadee, kedou, kadee.
Ahhhhh,
Soom boom kaway,
Kedou, kadee.
Lyrics
(As Performed By Efik/Ibibio Kids)
Eyen Ebaruiba
Sọñ ubọk wat inyañ
Sọñ ubọk wat inyañ
Kee dim ke di
Aa aa aaaa
Sọñ ubọk wat inyañ
Kee dim ke di!
Tem afia esuñ iba
Bọk efere ekporoko
Kot eyen Ebariba
Edi men do dia
(source: Nigerian Languages Project FB page)
English Translation
Ebariba youth
Paddle fast
Rain is approaching
Prepare two mounds of fufu
Cook stockfish soup
Call an Abiriba youth
To come take and eat
(source: Nigerian Languages Project FB page)
YouTube
- 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!