This live performance is realised by Jelili Atiku along with three Babalawo (Yoruba Ifa Priests), Faniyi Omoyeni Awoniran, Ifadare Olajide Ige-Adubi and Ifamuyiwa Akinwunmi Awoniran.

The piece narrates about the Yoruba world view and philosophy of Orí (Head) as the definition and fulcrum of the entire human body, its energy and functionalities. The performance adopts Yoruba ritual makings, drumming and chanting to increase the audience’s inner sensitivity of our humanitarian concerns on the recent crisis in the world: the “forced displacement and famine riskù” in Palestine, the “danger and infrastructural destruction” in Ukraine, the “disasters and displacement crises” in Africa and other worrisome issues of shortage of food and energy; and higher inflation in all our continents. The performance integrates the energy of Olóde (the guardian of outer space) and Adelé (the guardian of inner space); and the power of sacred spoken word, Ìyẹ̀rẹ̀ Ifá (Yoruba tonal poetry divination chants) with Yoruba rituals actions of healing and alignment of energies. It consists of sacred sound making and walking of archetype image of healing agent and three Babaláwo (Yoruba Diviners) reciting the sacred Ìyẹ̀rẹ̀ Ifá (the tonal poetry of Ifá); and creating of marks on heap of salt in ECC space.

The performance is part of Jellili Atiku’s European tour, which is taking place in Paris (France), Venice (Italy), Munich (Germany); and Lanzarote (Spain). It will enable audiences in Europe to once again engage with the artist’s performance, which has been described as “combining Yoruba traditional art forms with international performance practice; for thought-provoking performances that challenge assumptions and stimulate dialogue in an unconventional and dynamic form of community education; for taking personal and artistic risks in order to open new possibilities and reach wider audiences.”