"The Little Pony" ("المهيرة") by Hawaa at-Tagtaaga | English Translation

“The Little Pony” (“المهيرة”) is a song written, composed, and performed by Hawaa Jaah ar-Rasool Muhammad at-Tayyib, better known as Hawaa at-Tagtaaga, one of the most influential Sudanese singers of all-time. “The Little Pony” belongs to a subgenre of aghaani banaat known as bride dancing music, which is music played during the bride dance, a Sudanese wedding tradition where the bride performs a dance in front of the groom and her female friends and family members.
Hawaa at-Tagtaaga, originally from North Kordofan, was an anti-colonial activist and arguably the most influential singer of aghaani banaat. Hawaa at-Tagtaaga began as a wedding singer in the 1930s and was ostracized by the male members of her family for becoming a singer.
In her time, singers of aghaani banaat not only performed at weddings, but also took part in their preparation. Hawaa would help beautify the bride through the use of dukhaan (steam bath) and dilka (a scented dough massaged onto the body), but also by training the bride in bride dancing.
In addition to that, at-Tagtaaga took part in anti-colonial protests in the 40s, imprisoned multiple times by the British colonial authority for her participation in demonstrations.
While initially given little intention by the media, Hawaa at-Tagtaaga is now recognized for her role as an artist and activist, and the songs she wrote and composed continue to be staples of aghaani banaat.
She passed away in 2012. May she rest in peace.
0:03 - Al-Miheyra - Literally meaning "little pony," this is a metaphor meant to connote beauty, grace, youth.
0:03 - ’Igid Jilaad - Literally meaning “necklace of skin,” an ‘igid jilaad is a necklace made of a special type of gazelle or wildcat hide known for having a good scent that grows only better with age. Traditionally worn by Sudanese women during the jirtig, a part of the Sudanese wedding ceremony, the ‘igid jilaad has become something of a symbol for Sudanese traditions a metaphor or symbol for Sudanese traditions as a whole.
0:22 - As-Saroor - Literally meaning “happiness,” this is an old term used to describe anything that is obviously the best, i.e. “‘ayshkum ‘aysh as-saroor” (the bread you make is obviously the best).
1:13 - Literally translates to "Mother of the Mouth that doesn't say and say." Generally means someone who doesn't gossip, doesn't talk nonsense, etc.
1:15 - Assuming "'alaal" refers to a pot for carrying water, this literally translates to "Mother of the feet which have never carried a water pot," which suggests the poet is portraying the bride as a higher class woman, who, unlike low class women, doesn't have to go and fetch water. This is a common form of praise in Sudanese music and poetry (see: the Gamar Boba).

[@shehababbasher5377]

المهيرة
كلمات وألحان وأداء / حواء الطقطاقة

[@Anaselamin]

"Thou civet scent into necklace, you filly of the mare; the fire now, thou bride; your restless groom has to care!"
And this is Idrees Al banna's translation.

[@mehmettamer2886]

Amazing rhythm. I pray for our Sudanese brothers and sisters. Don't allow imperialists to divide your country.