Mi amor

Obimo Cheta
I'm bigger than what people say
Obimo Cheta
I'm forever the same
Obimo Cheta
You are not alone 3x

Cheta by Ada

I am cleaning my bathroom, with the mobile phone acting as a watch, entertainment and mode of communication. I am listening to Cheta by Ada and hear a line of the lyrics, which I mistake for Obinna Cheta. Glancing at my sceen the translation states my beloved, remember. 

Obinna; a name I recognised from one of the many Nigerian languages and was intrigued that I had been calling a friend my beloved. To my relief, I discovered Obinna means 'father's heart', but something was set in motion.

I couldn't help but remember the story of the prodigal son, who was welcomed back by a loving father despite his previous ways and of course the romantic  Songs of Solomon. No matter what, no matter where, I am loved.

Sunderland is not classed as a multicultural city, however, I am in contact on a regular basis with people who are from a different cultures and therefore speak a different language. I couldn't help but ask everyone I rubbed shoulders with in a single week, how to say my beloved.

Thank you to everyone who shared a bit of their language with me. Go on, shout to the world.

Nigeria (Yoruba): Ololufemi
France (French): Mon amour
Malaysia (Malay):pl Kesayanganku
Spain (Spanish): Mi amada
Serie Lionne (Krio): Una for lek den lekwuna bak
Zimbambwe (Shaona): Mudiwa wangu
Uganda (Luganda): O muagara wange


Others not included, Philipines, Indonesia, China, UK (BSL), South Africa, Iraq and Egypt