This is a lullaby in Luqa language. Kiko means ‘seed’ and kikolo or kiko is an old name for a baby boy. The second verse mentions people laughing at the mother and baby and this song is said to be about a baby who doesn’t have a father.

Sung by Rosie Ekera, Hazel Piqe Paleo, and Marvin Vaikera. Recorded October 1998 in Pienuna village.

Moko mua, kikolo,  

muke lukana.  

Na sa sa sela, kikolo? 

Mu moko mua, kiko.

Quiet, baby boy, 

Don’t cry. 

What is wrong, baby boy? 

You shush now, baby boy.

Moko mua, kikolo,  

muke lukana.  

Kita mai kidolo ni gita ira 

Mu moko mua kiko.

Quiet, baby boy, 

Don’t cry. 

Otherwise they will laugh at us, 

You shush now, baby boy.

Moko mua, kikolo,  

muke lukana 

Na sa sa sela, kikolo? 

Mu moko mua, kiko.

Quiet, baby boy, 

Don’t cry. 

What is wrong, baby boy? 

You shush now, baby boy.

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