Tope Alabi, a well-known gospel singer from Nigeria, has responded to the controversy surrounding the lyrics of her song titled ‘Aboru Aboye.’ She aims to clarify that there is no exclusive language reserved for traditionalists.
The song, which she performed recently, evoked a range of reactions from fans and critics due to the inclusion of a phrase associated with traditional religious customs.
In a video, Alabi can be seen singing in Yoruba, utilizing the phrase ‘Aboru Aboye,’ which is a customary greeting among Ifa initiates.
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In her song, Tope Alabi referred to herself as ‘ebo,’ which means sacrifice in English, and sang the lyrics, “Abiye ni mi, Oruko mi ni yen. Mo de bo, mo ru, mo ye,” which translates to “I am a sacrifice, that’s my name. I am a sacrifice accepted by God, that’s my name.”
These lyrics generated mixed reactions from her fans and some Christian leaders, who questioned her choice of words.
In a recent video, Alabi, while ministering in a white garment church, took the opportunity to clarify that the phrase “Aboru Aboye” is purely Yoruba and is not exclusively used by traditionalists.
She further explained her use of the language by referring to the Bible, highlighting that her unique application of the language is a characteristic feature of her as a gospel artist.
Further explaining her usage of the language, she referred to the bible and highlighted that her unique application of the language is a characteristic feature of her as a gospel artist.
She said, “It was recorded that David made a sacrifice of faithfulness to God. Why was the word sacrifice not written as the same English word in the Yoruba version of the Bible? It is a Yoruba language. There is no special language for traditionalists. We are all speaking the Yoruba language.
“If some people say they want to use the language in their own style, it is not bad. We have also decided to use it in our own style.”
While reiterating that sacrifices were rendered in the bible, she further queried saying, “Was Abraham’s sacrifice accepted or not? Was it not the same with Isaac?”
In establishing her points with specific reference to a bible passage which is Romans 12:1, she said, “Brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. The word ‘acceptable’ is the ‘Aboru’ while ‘living sacrifice’ is Aboye.”