May: Sister Of Footballer David Alaba, Speaks On Nigerian Roots, Yoruba Language
Rose May, sister of footballer David Alaba, has admitted that not being able to speak Yoruba, her father’s home tongue, tears her heart. David Alaba is a Real Madrid star.
Read Also: Messi To Reignite Rivalry With Ronaldo In £522m Deal To Saudi Al-Hilal
The Ibadi singer admitted she wishes she knew the language.
She made this disclosure in a recent interview with Turntable, on Thursday.
May claimed that because her Nigerian father and Filipino mother only ever spoke English, she was unable to learn Yoruba.
She noted;
It breaks my heart that I can’t speak Yoruba because I really wish I can.
I grew up in Austria, and my parents communicated in English, so that was how I was able to speak English. I learned how to speak German in school.
Growing up in Austria, I was exposed to the cultures of my country of birth while also interacting with the Yoruba cultures of my father and the Filipino cultures of my mother.
The result is a cultural hybrid that combines with my parent’s musical backgrounds to make me an artist whose music carries intercontinental markers.
Aside from music, Rose May Alaba has emotional ties towards Nigeria which she has visited a couple of times to see her paternal relatives. Knowing that her family members North of the equator are proud of her for leaning towards her Yoruba roots is something that drives her and keeps her going.
It’s a good feeling knowing that my family members in Nigeria are proud of me for upholding the culture.
As part of her connection to Nigeria, she’s a principal member of her family’s foundation which is partnering with the Ministry of Environment to curb open defecation.
I always want to give back, especially back home because I get a lot of love from Nigeria.
