
One of the ways in which ethnic groups and families maintain peaceful relationships is through the “joking cousin relationship.” Certain families and ethnic group can tease each other immediately after meeting because they’re joking cousins. A prime example of joking cousins are Samba Sow and Mbouille Diallo. Respectively, the old man and the ugly man, (pictured below) these two are joking cousins and also the very best of friends.
The Old Man and the Ugly Man
Said the old man to the ugly man
One cheerful sunny morn
My attaya is much better
With a chuckle full of scorn
My naana is so much fresher
And my warga much less bitter
Just ask the bridge year cohort
My attaya is the winner
The ugly man replied
With a condescending smile
Your warga may be sweeter
But you just can’t beat my style
I can hold my teapot higher
And have you ever seen such foam
Everyone loves my attaya
They’ll drive for miles to my home
And so they bickered all that day
The ugly and the old
Though each preferred the other’s drink
If the truth be told!