Composer and the pre-Emancipation night vigil

I have been a part of the Vigil because it falls within my own concerns about the sanctity that we should associate with Emancipation Day. It has the same spiritual quality that existed within the Kwanzaa Celebration organised by the late Pastor Kwame Mohlabani (the Reverend Canon Clive Griffith) onetime rector of the St Clement’s Anglican Church, Manahambre Road.

It would be great if more of the religious faiths offer their contributions to enhance the Emancipation Day observances.

The Vigil is the brain child of the veteran calypsonian Composer (Fred Mitchell) whose is now named Baba Olu Sino Amono Ifayomi. Ten years ago, he had the calling to organise the Vigil as a call to prayer to all the African shrines. Baba visited as many of the functioning shrines as possible to encourage their participation.

The Vigil was designated not only for Trinidad and Tobago but for the diaspora as well. There have been international connections, with like-minded groups in Nigeria, USA and London. Efforts continue to connect with Haiti and other Caribbean countries which have kept the Ifa Yoruba tradition alive.

Despite existing problems, particularly with funding, the Vigil has enjoyed consistent support and participation from Chief Alagba Ifa Tayese Erin Folami (Baba Erin Folami), Chief Oludari Agbaiye of Egbe Onisin Eledumare, the National Joint Action Committee and the Emancipation Support Committee as well as Chief Baba Mokun of Eko ile Sango Osun MI l’Osa (Garth Nicholas) and Sister Akende Rudder.

Twice in the early days, the Vigil took place on Prince Street, Port of Spain, in collaboration with the Crosstown Organisation led by Mr Prescott. There were live broadcasts from the corner of Prince and George Streets and down in Petit Valley. Later, the Vigil was moved to the Massy All Stars Pan Yard, on Duke Street.

For two years Radio Station 102.1FM did a one-hour broadcast, then the broadcast stopped for about two years because of lack of funding. It was restarted at 91.1FM Talk City.

The Vigil begins at 10 pm on the night before Emancipation Day.

The programme consists of libation, prayers, drumming and chanting.

At midnight, Egbe Onisin Eldemire, led by Chief Oludari Agbaiye, is given half an hour to conduct the Litany. Then the Vigil broadcast links with the Saraka at the Beddoe Shrine on Toco Main Road at 1.30 am. It continues back at the broadcast point for the rest of the programme.

All Shrines are welcome to be part of the physical venue, or call in to the Radio Station. There are also pre-recorded segments.

At 4am the Vigil concludes so that the Emancipation Support Committee can start the For Day Morning Come ceremony Akende Rudder says “We have maintained in spite of the stumbling blocks. We are a resilient people. We must feel proud of who we are not just for one day and appreciate the sacrifice our Ancestors endured for our freedom”.

It is noteworthy that she also said “It must have a ritual that we do every year with family, friends and community before Emancipation morning, we are sure our Ancestors were indoors not only praying but also getting battle ready. It is hope at the end of the Night Vigil people will appreciate Emancipation Day not only to walk the streets, but to commune with each other”.

I cannot agree more.

Aiyegoro Ome, Mt Lambert