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From Oríkì to Rap: The Evolution of Praise Poetry
From Oríkì to rap, Yorùbá praise poetry evolved into powerful storytelling that uplifts and connects across generations.

Alaje Fadesiye
Jan 264 min read


Drumming, Dance, and Oríkì: The Language of Yorùbá Culture
Drumming, dance, and òríkì form a sacred Yorùbá triad—rhythm, movement, and praise unite to honor the divine, ancestors, and culture.

Alaje Fadesiye
Dec 16, 20246 min read


Òrò: The Integration of Words, Character, Intention, and Action in Yorùbá Culture
In Yorùbá culture, speech—Òrò—is never “just words.” Every word carries àṣẹ, the sacred power to create or destroy, bless or curse. Effective speech is measured not by eloquence alone but by the harmony of words, character (ìwà), intention (èrò), and action (ìṣe). When these elements align, communication becomes authentic, trust is built, and cultural values are preserved. As the elders say: “Ìwà l’ẹwà” — character is beauty.

Alaje Fadesiye
Apr 12, 20243 min read


The Sacred Power of Òrò: Effective Speech in Yorùbá Culture
In Yorùbá culture, words are never neutral. Speech, known as Òrò, is more than conversation—it is a vessel of àṣẹ, the sacred force that shapes reality. To speak is to act, and every word carries responsibility. Through clarity, respect, honesty, and compassion, Yorùbá tradition teaches that effective speech preserves harmony, transmits culture, and reflects one’s character. As the elders say: “It is with words that a household is destroyed; it is with words that a household

Alaje Fadesiye
Apr 12, 20244 min read


A Beginner’s Guide to the Study and Practice of Yorùbá Spirituality
Yorùbá spirituality is more than ritual—it’s a lifelong journey of self-discovery, guided by respect, ancestral wisdom, and the cultivation of good character (Iwà Pẹ̀lẹ́). From sacred stories and offerings to community rites and mentorship, each step invites deeper alignment with your Orí—your inner compass.

Alaje Fadesiye
Apr 11, 20244 min read


Fluid Relationships in Yorùbá Homes and Communities
Yorùbá homes reflect a dynamic web of fluid relationships rooted in extended family life, shared responsibility, and spiritual grounding. Traditionally organized into Agbo Ilé (family compounds), these communal spaces foster interdependence, respect for hierarchy, and adaptability. Through collective child-rearing, inclusive support systems, and evolving roles, Yorùbá communities thrive in harmony and shared destiny.

Alaje Fadesiye
Apr 11, 20244 min read


Oba and Oriatè: Leadership and Spiritual Stewardship in Yorùbá Tradition and the Diaspora
The Oba and Oriatè represent two powerful expressions of Yorùbá cultural leadership—one rooted in ancestral kingship in West Africa, the other in ritual mastery in the diaspora. From courtrooms to altars, both serve as bridges between the living and the divine, upholding tradition, guiding communities, and preserving the sacred wisdom of the ancestors across generations.

Alaje Fadesiye
Apr 11, 20243 min read


The Sacred Imperative of Learning and Development in Yorùbá Tradition
In Yorùbá tradition, learning (ìmọ̀) is a sacred journey, not merely a means to personal advancement. It is a divine responsibility entrusted by one’s Orí and ancestors, weaving individual growth into communal strength. Through the pursuit of knowledge, cultivation of character (ìwà pẹ̀lẹ́), and alignment with destiny (ayànmọ̀), individuals fulfill both personal purpose and cosmic duty. As the proverb says, “Ẹ̀kọ́ kì í tan lórí” — learning never ends.

Alaje Fadesiye
Apr 8, 20243 min read
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