PONOWI PONOKALI

“PONOWI PONOKALI — REFUGE OF THE PEOPLE ” This song comes from stories passed down to me by my father, Chief Yakisi. Over the last two to three years, through our conversations, I’ve held onto these exchanges so I could better understand my own history, and more importantly, so I can pass these stories on to my children and the generations to come. The lyrics are not just words. They are reflections of our past, a glimpse into what our people endured, the sacrifices made, and the strength that carried us through. It's especially for my Ialibu people around Mt Kiluwah (Giluwe) and Mt Yalipu (Ialibu). As the saying goes, “The more you know about the past, the better prepared you are for the future.” Ponowi (Ponokali) holds a special place in many of our lives. Each of us carries a different story that ties us back to this great village. This song is my personal dedication to my connection with Ponowi, to my relatives there, and especially to those who have gone before us. Enjoy. 🔥 🎵 “PONOWI — REFUGE OF THE PEOPLE ” (2X VERSION ) 🇵🇬🔥 Ooooo… Aiiyee… Ponowi… Kolopehapoi… Ponokali… Nem bilong yu i stap yet… Between ancient mount Kiluwah… na Yalipu… The names known, lo taim Tumbuna You stood through every war… VERSE 1 — LAND & ROOTS In the valley where the cold winds fall Between two ancient guards Kiluwah stands above us all Yalipu watching from afar Ol Papa saveh stori… Through Rombokenda grass we ran Down to Yolo's bend Setting traps as young boys do Before the wars would come again CHORUS — KEWABI / ENGLISH / PIDGIN Ponowi… Kolopehapoi… Ponokali… Mandi yanda rekisa rambu… Pono kali neme… su gisi… You opened your land — yu ples bilong sehfti Wina nokoh nai… (ol mama na pikinini)… Pono kali neme surubisi… Ponowi… yu stap yet… Ponowi… yu stap yet… VERSE 2 — WAR & REFUGE From Paleh they crossed the mountain lines Women carrying fear From Pong-goma they came To find protection here yanda ta ipisimi...yanda ta ipisimi ol Kepik, na ol Tahn-gik, ol Rakehli, na ol Lawa-gerepa Wantaim ol Yombi , They came as one Ol traib kam lo olgeta hap They became Allies side by side Ponowi held the broken lives Taim nogat ples lo ron, nowhere else to hide Wara Yolo, na Yalo, olgeta wara i raunim graun Ol i lukautim mipela, like arms in protection Mountains stood like ancient shields No enemy could break BRIDGE — WARRIORS / GRANDFATHER ERA Men would rise before the dawn Painted for the fight Feathers bright and faces marked Bows drawn in first light My grandfather stood among them Strong in every line Holding ground for land and people Warrior of his time Ol Papa bilong pahit CHORUS — STRONGER REPEAT Ponowi… Kolopehapoi… Ponokali… Mandi yanda rekisa rambu… Pono kali neme… su gisi… You opened your land — yu ples bilong sehfti Wina nokoh nai… (ol mama na pikinini)… Pono kali neme surubisi… Ponowi… yu stap yet… Ponowi… yu stap yet… VERSE 3 — CHILDHOOD MEMORY Papa ibin stori lo taim tumbuna oli ron Leknatin, through the valley tracks Biloom on our side Kaukau packed for long days out Running free with pride Huts of grass and firelight Warm through every night Even in the fear of war There was still some life BRIDGE 2 — LEGACY / TODAY Nau planti yia i kam na i go pinis Tasol, your name still stands Stories written in the hills Carried through the land Nau taim... Kiluwah em… ol kolim Giluweh Na Yalipu em… ol kolim Yalibu Still watching over you FINAL CHORUS Ponowi… Kolopehapoi… Ponokali… Mandi yanda rekisa rambu… Pono kali neme… su gisi… You opened your land — yu ples bilong sehfti Wina nokoh nai… (ol mama na pikinini)… Pono kali neme surubisi… Ponowi… yu stap yet… Ponowi… yu stap yet… Ooooo… Aiiyee… Between Giluweh … na Yalibu… Your story lives on… Ponowi… Ponowi…