O-Cocorico
Ms. Nambangi wrote, "Call and response style song. This song is performed by kids during the Christmas season, where adults give money and treats to children. A child wears a mask and a costume that marks it as a "juju" = masquerade. The group goes round singing this song. When you like the juju's dance, you are supposed to give it, and the dancers, some money."
O-Cocorico
O-Cocorico
Masquerade Song
Masquerade Song
(Cameroonian Pidgin English)
(English)
Lead singer:
O-cocorico
Rest:
Ewah!
Lead:
O-cocorico
Rest:
Ewah!
Lead:
Juju don come
Rest:
Ewah!
Lead:
Salute Juju
Rest:
Ewah!
Lead:
Massa, charge your pocket
Rest:
Sawa, sawa, no money today
Lead:
Massa, charge your pocket
Rest:
Sawa, sawa, no money today!
Lead singer:
O-cocorico*
Rest:
Ewah!**
Lead:
O-cocorico
Rest:
Ewah!
Lead:
The juju has come
Rest:
Ewah!
Lead:
Salute*** the Juju
Rest:
Ewah!
Lead:
Mister, search your pocket (for money)
Rest:
Disappointment, there's no money today****
Lead:
Mister, search your pocket
Rest:
Disappointment, there's no money today!
Notes
Translation:
*O-cocorico - generally thought to be the name of that particular juju
**Ewah! - just a sound of agreement or encouragement
***Saying "salute", this generally means, "give the juju some money", that is the traditional way of "greeting" the masquerade.
****This response suggests that it is the man who searches his pocket who says that, but it is actually sung by the rest of the "juju" group. They will sing this even if the person gives money, but they will say thank you while they move on to entertain the next home.
Thanks and Acknowledgements
Many thanks to Ms. Melissa Nambangi of the Minnesota African Women's Association for this song, the translation, and the helpful explanations and comments.
Thank you very much!