Brymo’s Grandpa and Dear Child: A reflection of the Nigerian Society Portrayal of Men -By Ayobami Okerinde

Olawale Ashimi Olofooro ‘Brymo’ is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and author. His music revolves around Pop music, Rhythm and blues, Folk Music and Soul music. Brymo is known for his ability to release thought provoking songs, with a perfect mixture of English and Yoruba language, which centres around the morals, life and the Nigerian society.

Mothers and Fathers are portrayed as demigods, the Yoruba’s of the southwestern part of Nigeria, believes that parents are deities and they are second to the supreme being, regardless of one’s religious beliefs. A Yoruba aphorism finds a way to laud them both “Iya ni wura, baba ni jigi” which translates “a mother is like gold, a father is like a mirror” to show how important they are to the development of a child. There are unending debates about who is more important between the duo, while some chose to pitch tents, some chose to stay on the fence and believes that the absence of one who affect the development of a child. On a lighter mood, Mothers day is celebrated like a million times a year, while fathers day is celebrated just once, many see this as an injustice and a way to undermine the roles fathers play. This is an attempt to take a look at two of Brymo’s song.

Grandpa is the fifth song off Brymo’s third studio album; Merchants, Dealers and Slave, released in 2013. The 3:11 minutes long single, talks about his perception of his grandfather and what he learnt from him. On the other hand, Dear Child is the fourth song off Brymo’s fourth studio album released in 2014. In the 3:32 minutes long song, Brymo talks about his experience from his grandmother who passed away when he was young. In both songs, it was clear that they had different characters.

Grand pa opens with Brymo describing his grandfather as someone who loves to relax.

“My grandpapa likes to relax, it’s always been so since his early days”

On the other hand, Brymo described his grandmother as a loving woman in the opening lines.

“Grandma was a very good woman”

The opening lines gave a glimpse of what to expect in the remainder of both songs and described the qualities of both.

Brymo continued with a swipe at his grandfather, but instead chose to praise his grandmother for all she told him.

“… he told a dozen lies, always denounce his children” while his grandfather chose to denounce his multiple children, his grandmother on the other hand loved and worked hard.

“She tried and die working to feed her grown baby”. The chorus of both songs further showed the disparity between the duo. He revealed that he never learnt anything from his grandfather “When you ask my grandpapa for wisdom, only shayo you go get” On the part of his grandmother, he revealed the lessons he learnt from her “Omo oo, teti gbo ohun m’oso ofo laye oo (my child, harken to my words, life is full of vanity).

Brymo’s words perhaps confirms a believe that “good things never last”. While his grandmother with all her benevolence died when he was young, his grandfather lived long despite his nonchalant and care free attitude.

The portrayal of Fathers and Mothers are evident in some or perhaps most Nigerian songs. Many are of the opinion that fathers aren’t appreciated enough and songs are also a contributing factor, since songs have the power to reach a wider audience, preach message and they are understood by a large section of the society. Songs are also like movies and other forms of writing or communication, a reflection of the society. Some of the Nigerian songs on mothers include, “Mummy” by Jesse King; “Mama Oyoyo” by Yemi Alade and others; “Mummy Mi” by Wizkid; “Sweet Mother” by Prince Nico Mbarga; “Iya Ni Wura” by Dipo Sodiya; “So Beautiful” by Asa; “Seun Rere” by Christy Essien; “Mama” by Flavour ft Chidima; and others. These songs are exaltation of the Nigerian mother, womanhood and motherhood. They are such a beauty when played.

There aren’t much songs dedicated to fathers in Nigeria, one that readily comes to mind is “Papa” by Johnny Drille; “Daddy mi” by Davido ft Reminisce.

It will be a great injustice and an undeniable fact that the role of Fathers and Mothers in a child’s life and development is unquantifiable. Both songs coming from the same singer might conform with the believe of some that fathers are truly not appreciated. However, much needs to be done for fathers.