Eulogy for Sidi

David Cruickshank gave this eulogy at the celebration of Sidi's life. It sums up the man in a nutshell:
David

Eulogy for Sidi


When writing to the organisers of a conference I was supposed to be attending today, and speaking at the same time as this commemoration, I found myself saying:
"Siddi was one of the first Black African exponents of an educational programme in the UK, and beyond, for all backgrounds to be exposed to the cultural traditions of West Africa; drumming,dance and song, along with weaving, sculpture and story telling, were all part of the rich tapestry of subject matter he promoted. I was one of his earliest students and amidst all the upheaval and "revolution" of the early seventies, he pioneered respect and recognition in the school curriculum for these subjects, particularly for young black people across the African diaspora. His dream was to establish a cultural University housed within a self sufficient farming community in Yedji, the township of his birth in the Volta region of Ghana, where students could travel to immerse themselves in these traditions."
This is an exoteric description of Siddi's aspirations, and Sufi that he was and is, I will now try to describe to you what he meant to me personally on the esoteric level....
 To me Siddi was a spiritual Sergeant Major; initially terrifying, and yet compelling, demanding undivided attention with a glower that could immobilise, until, Thank God, a roar of laughter that released the fear of total humiliation. "Sergeant Major" I hear him roar, with a stamp of his foot which could have cracked an SAS regiment to attention, "I am a Field Marshal, and you, you quivering excuses for human beings, you are yet to find out who you are!....."
Dramatic pause..... followed with another roar of laughter. My message to you is
"Don't identify."
"Don't identify!" What does that mean, you ask yourself?
 Forty years on I am beginning to understand the question, and it would be counter-productive to supply an explanation.
What I can say in the words of Rabbie Burns, the Scottish Bard, is:
"We're ah Jock Thamsons Bairns", which loosely translated means "We all share the same Father."
Well so long old friend, you've been with me all my adult life and thank you for the medicine.
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
God Bless, Siddi
Salaam a'melekum 


-- 

David Cruickshank
Executive Director 
Lambhill Stables

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