However, a new generation of Oromo diaspora youth—from Minneapolis to Berlin—is reclaiming Walaloo Cuuphaa as a symbol of . They perform it at cultural festivals, blend it with hip-hop beats, and share it on TikTok under the hashtag #WalalooCuuphaa.
Artists like (the slain activist-musician) famously integrated Walaloo Cuuphaa rhythms into his Mee Banuu album. In his song Jaalalaa Deemsa , he chants: Walaloo Cuuphaa
To understand Walaloo Cuuphaa, one must understand the Oromo concept of Uummaa (the essence of being human). In traditional Oromo society, identity is relational. You are defined by your warra (family), gosa (clan), and luba (generational class). To be an orphan ( cuuphaa ) is to be unmoored from the axis of existence. However, a new generation of Oromo diaspora youth—from
When my father was alive, I lacked nothing. Now that my father is dead, I lack nothing. For those who have a father, they have a lineage. But me, oh God, I have no lineage. In his song Jaalalaa Deemsa , he chants:
The structure usually involves two or more individuals facing each other. They hold sticks (sometimes referred to as hadaa or dibayyuu ), which they use to keep rhythm by beating the ground or their shields. The performance follows a call-and-response pattern. One participant poses a question or a riddle through song, and the opponent must answer with equal poetic dexterity.
Share Your Research, Maximize Your Social Impacts