Vikiconsi – Awubuthele

The wording is an instruction, telling someone to gather people together, or to bring them in. It has the sound of an elder or an organiser who knows that nothing important happens until everyone arrives. The tone is firm but friendly, like someone standing at the gate and calling people inside.

In Nigeria, we know how much effort goes into gathering people. A family meeting, a village contribution, a church programme or a wedding committee all begin with someone going round and calling everyone. Some people answer quickly, others need a second call, and a few arrive just as the food is served.

I will not pretend to describe production details I cannot confirm, but a title that works like a summons suggests a record about togetherness and community. It also fits the feeling of an album that sits between a celebration and a conversation, where the host wants everybody close.

There is a little humour in it as well, since anyone who has ever organised an event knows how hard it is to get people together. By the time a friend says Awubuthele at the start of a long evening, the party is already about to begin.

Anyone who has been the one holding a group together, or the one who answered the call, will recognise the mood. It suits family gatherings, end of year parties and any night when the whole street comes out.

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