Review: “Morticians” by Sango ft. GrandSun

Morticians is a poem written by Sango and Grandsun (Ezekiel Dlama) from the album Handwriting by Ruddapoet. The poem addresses societal issues especially to the youths and those in power.

Nigeria has since from inception hired its problems from the people, the current situation of shuffling the old as leaders leave us slow and irritating to the world and ourselves.

The 1:48sec poem highlights the symphony of two different genre of literature (poetry and rap) entwined in the tongue of a Yoruba poet – Sango and a rap lyricist – Grandsun. The first part which is spoken in mainly Yoruba is a bunch of alliteration while the second part induced by Grandsun uses the rhyme, rhythm and rap style to pass its message (lyrical punches).

The tone of Sango is that of a town crier or an elder, one who has endured the suffering of the world and is sending a message out there to those who will listen and the second part has a tone of power (one that feels so sure about what he’s saying).

Since the first part is in Yoruba, I will employ just a few figure of speeches to dissect, such as the proverbs
“The Sheep following a Dog will surely eat feaces” explains the phenomenon of the country where bad chickens produce bad eggs because they didn’t listen to themselves. If we keep riding on wrong horses, we would fall someday. Only when we follow bad leaders will we become bad followers, and as bad followers we will grow to become bad leaders ourselves.

“If the owner of a house is not dead, there will be no weed growing there” this explains the conscience of the people is harboring evil all the time, we do not practice togetherness or unity. The poet stresses to say “its up to us” which is true change begins with each and every one of us. Until we thrive to live and do right, everything will be wrong.

However on another note, Grandsun who uses English language to communicate his message, the use of simple words yet deep meanings is a tool of the rapper. The subtle switch of beat ushers the listener to a different phase of same piece.

“We seem to forget Jesus rode on a donkey through Damascus, ask the pastors for the Private Jets…” a phenomenon where the society invest in enriching pastors to own private properties which doesn’t tell well of Leaders.

Grandsun doesn’t employ a lot of figure of speeches considering its a rap verse, he simplified his lines so it is easy to be understood;
“Humanitarian aid, divert for personal gain,
This is for 35 years of service, poof disappeared.
This is the blood of the pensioner”
These lines carry the message clearly to any listener, even while the rapper stays on his beat.

Relating the structure of the piece is easy (for those who understand Yoruba) or to those who understand English. Variety is the spice of life but the message is one. Charity always begins at home, if we learn to live and do right, we won’t be Morticians of our own selves (recycling the devil).

Ruddapoet