What’s your first reaction to these opening lines?
Soro soke! No dey disguise.
We can’t hear you. Soro soke weyrey.
If your first reaction is to break out into a merry peal of laughter or a big grin, then you’re in the right place. If this is new to you, why, in Obasanjo’s internet don’t you have a Twitter account or use it?
KNOW YOUR HISTORY
It all started when a certain Mr Krabs from Bikini Bottom used the term while commenting on FC Bayern’s tweet on September 27 after the team suffered a defeat for the first time after a 32-match unbeaten run.
Thence ensued the birth of a new, fierce catchphrase that has since been on the lips of most Nigerians.
What is
soro soke
and how does it relate to the #ENDSARS struggle?
soro soke
/sɒrɒ səʊkeɪ /
phrasal verb
express one's opinions frankly and publicly.
“Our leaders must be clear and concise about their policies. Tell them to soro soke.“
speak more loudly.
“We can’t hear you. Soro soke!“
You see, the beauty of this new-found catchphrase is its polysemic property—one catchphrase, multiple meanings.
If you are certain that you stand for a cause, then, by all means, go all out and show that you truly support that cause. No fence-sitting.
Take a look at this vivid example. Some Nigerian companies were receiving the heat for not showing solidarity toward the movement against Police brutality. The heat got intense and some were forced to show support. First Bank of Nigeria decided to join the movement but in a bid to join the cause, they vexed Nigerians because their intentions weren’t clear.
Reform Now? End Brutality?
Reform what? Reform Manchester United or Barcelona’s board? End what brutality? Oh! Maybe end FC Bayern’s brutality of humiliating the likes of Chelsea, Barcelona, or Spurs? I don’t understand. Do you?
I trust my fellow Twitter online warriors to give proper replies. Take a look at a few:
Summary of what this tweep said is, “To shalaye is human, to gbenu dake is divine .“
In this context, the catchphrase implies that you express your opinions frankly without an iota of ambiguity. So when brands or companies are stylishly trying to join the struggle without being clear, what do you say?
Soro soke—a catchphrase which should be in the Urban dictionary very soon—originates from Yoruba which simply means speak up or speak out or speak louder.
If you have to address a crowd of Nigerian Youths who are tired of oppression and Police brutality, then, by all means, be audible for those at the back. Take a look at this tweet:
When next an elected leader or a government representative is not being audible for those at the back, what do you say?
At this point, you may think that this new catchphrase may appear strong, but the situation calls for strong language to condemn the persecution of the peace-loving youths of Nigeria.
I attended the peaceful protests at Ibadan just yesterday and I discovered that this lovely catchphrase was used by protesters while chanting protest songs.
Call: What do you want?
Response: #ENDSARS
Call: SORO SOKE!
Response: #ENDSARS
The same catchphrase, a different meaning. When next you are in a peaceful protest against Police brutality and the people are not singing the protest songs loudly, what do you say?
Whew! Remember I said “one catchphrase, multiple meanings?“ Well, I highlighted just three, but I’m sure there are new twists to this recent catchphrase.
A VOTE OF THANKS
Kudos to the vociferous few—celebrities, Pastors, Imams, brands, mamalawos and babalawos, at home or abroad, and you! (if you’re among)—who have been lending their voices* to this movement. Na company wey support #ENDSARS we go patronise. Na church wey join protest we go send our tithes to. Na celebrity wey support the struggle we go stan.
If you have not joined the movement or shown support in one way or another, what are you waiting for? I plead with you, for the prestige of our dear fatherland, for the benefit of future generations of Nigerian men and women, that you fight peacefully for the end to Police brutality in Nigeria.
It is my wish that your deliberations and resolutions toward the fight against Police brutality may at all times further the sacred interest of the peace, progress, and prosperity of our dear Country.
lending your voices* - For some weird reason, I was tempted to say “soro sokeing”.
To my dear Man Utd, Chelsea, and Barcelona fans, no hard feelings, abeg.
Hey there! My name is Toluwalemi. An occasional writer and a Software Engineer. Say hi.
Beautiful piece
Dope write up💪💪💪