Posted in partnership with The Music of Nigeria.

Songs:
A: Edumare Gbe're Komi - 00:00
B: Aropin N'Tenia - 02:59

Chief Hubert Ogunde first premiered his play "Aropin N'Tenia" in 1964 at the Glover Hall in Lagos, originally as a part of the repertoire before "Yoruba Ronu." It is well-known, of course, that the play "Yoruba Ronu" was banned and Ogunde was blacklisted for about 2 years.

This "Aropin N'Tenia" song should not be confused for the other "Aropin N'Tenia;" the title track of his soundtrack album to his 1982 film with the same title. You can find that as well on YouTube. Yes, "Aropin N'Tenia" is the title of a play/opera (1964), B-side to a single (1966) given here, a film (1982), and a song, title track in the film's soundtrack album (1982).

The interesting question is: Who is playing the trumpet on this record? Could it have been a rising Fela Ransome-Kuti (what would have been his name at the time before he became Fela Anikulapo-Kuti)? Sure, both men knew each other. Both had, in some form, been invited to FESMAN. It seems like wishful thinking though. It must've been someone from Ogunde's band, or, however unlikely, Ogunde himself.

The A-side here, "Edumare Gbe're Komi," follows in the same melodic intonation as "Yoruba Ronu" and thus, one might suggest it is a song taken from that play. However, the lyrics suggest it could also have been from the "Otito Koro" play.

Note: Edumare Gbe're Komi / Aropin N'Tenia was released with another single, Ojo Ayo Sunmo / Igbeyin A Dara, at the same time in 1966. 🛍️ Shop Yorùbá-Learning Aids: [ Ссылка ] 🎓

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