Ifasola, a dear brother and friend
“Ore me atata” means my dear friend – or my important friend. That’s how my close friend and brother, Ifasola, greets me when he calls. He’s pictured with his eyes closed in this photo. I’ve known him for more than 13 years. He was one of my first Yoruba language instructors. I would meet him at his house for private lessons. To my delight, sometimes the lessons came along with meals: obe eja ati isu (fish stew in a spicy tomato sauce and thick slices of yams).
Ifasola is important to me not just because of our friendship – but because he serves as a translator for Aseda, the elder in the trailer. (Both Ifasola and Aseda are in the trailer). When Aseda consults Ifa and has important messages to relay to me, Ifasola delivers the messages. Though I’ve learned to speak Yoruba over the years, I don’t speak the Ife dialect – the dialect that is native to Aseda. (Yoruba has more than 20 dialects and just because you’re Yoruba doesn’t mean you can understand all of them).
I think of Ifasola and all of the elders as part of the “King’s River” crew. This film doesn’t stand a chance without their full support. On a spiritual level, with the help of the orisas, they ensure things go smoothly and help open doors for us. Before we return to Africa to begin major production on this film, they will do a spiritual evaluation of the entire film crew to ensure they’re up to the task and that the mission is successful. They will also eliminate anyone they don’t feel is right for the project.
My friendship with Ifasola is a powerful one but it hasn’t been an easy one. I’ve had to learn to trust the guidance of Aseda and the orisas. This means following through with “ebos” (spiritual rituals/sacrifices) from time to time to protect my family and/or others that I love when circumstances demand it My friendship with Ifasola has also taught me that no culture has a monopoly on wisdom. Yes, we have a a lot to learn from the ancient world – but the ancient world has a lot to learn from us as well. May we all be good students.