OttoGwadoAyoker_songFuneralSongForKingKur2

Abstract

The recording at the center of this item is a funeral song (Shilluk "ayaar") for King Kur (1951-1974). He was also called Along and Nyiryak. He is the son of King Gwang (1917-1944) who was also called Nyiker. Kur was a peaceful king, who did justice to everyone. He was loved by all the Shilluk people. In this funeral song, the composer, Ayik Longo, says that Along walked proudly to the front of God, because he did not cheat any person, so he is proud because he was a just king. And the composer is asking the Kwanyikiir clan to announce the death of the king without delay, because people are leaving in peace. Yor son of Deng is the chief of Kodok Village. The composer is telling him that, now you remain in charge, because our father, the buffalo of Diwaat Village, is absent. And to the servants of Nyikango (the King's wives), the composer tells them to stay in peace and take care of the King's orphans. The composer also says: to me, it is as if he is in his resting place (käänø/house) and I feel like greeting him. King Kur will always be remembered.