Oshun incantations and praise songs have been popular for centuries. They are rooted in the Yoruba traditions and mythology of the Orisha Oshun, the goddess of love, fertility, and creativity. The songs are composed to honor Oshun and to express gratitude for her blessings. Oshun incantations and praise songs are unique in their ability to evoke feelings of joy, peace, and connection with the divine. They have become a popular form of worship among practitioners of the Yoruba religion, Ifa. And they have gained recognition as an important part of African culture worldwide.
Enjoy the revitalizing melodies of Yoruba devotees in Nigeria singing the praises of Mother Oshun in this clip. See the description below the video for English translations.
Incantation Translation:
Greetings to the elderly ones
Praise to Yeye, my mother, let all my wishes be granted
Praise to my mother, Osun, the mother of water
Praise to my mother, Osun, the goddess of love
Praise to my mother, Osun, the owner of the water
Praise to my mother, Osun, the goddess and the mother of children
I praise my mother, Osun, because everyone else’s mothers are in the market selling goods
While my mother Osun is in the river taking care of her children
The great woman, the goddess of love, Great Osun
Song Translation:
Great, great Osun, the woman that heals her children with the power of water and liquid herbs
Great, great Osun, the woman that heals her children with the power of water and liquid herbs
Praise to my mother Osun, please don’t let me die young or untimely (Ase!)
We, daughters and sons of Osun, shall not be victims of flooding
We, daughters and sons of Osun, shall not be victims of any bad circumstances
Did Osun show me favor? Yes, she did.
Did Osun show me favor? Yes, she did.
Favor of what?
Favor of blessings
Favor of wealth
Favor of children
And much, much, more
Praise to the mother who takes proper care of her children
Praise to the mother, the goddess of love
Praise to the mother, the great woman Osun
PRAISE TO OUR MOTHER OSUN!!!