MASOYINBO: Reviving Yoruba Identity Through Language and Learning Game

Published By Jerry Adesewo Last updated Jun 4, 2025

MASOYINBO: Reviving Yoruba Identity Through Language and Learning Game

By Jerry Adesewo

In an era where globalization and linguistic homogenization threaten indigenous languages, Masoyinbo emerges as a beacon of hope for the preservation and revitalization of the Yoruba language. This innovative game show, created and hosted by Olalekan Fabilola, challenges participants to engage exclusively in Yoruba, eschewing English entirely—a formidable task even for native speakers.

I discovered Masoyinbo in early 2024 while scrolling through Instagram casually. The program’s unique approach to language preservation immediately caught my attention, and I became an avid viewer, eagerly anticipating each new episode.

The Masoyinbo Challenge

Masoyinbo, translating to “Don’t Speak English,” is a game show where contestants must answer ten questions solely in Yoruba. Any use of English words results in deductions from the potential ₦1 million prize. The show’s format not only tests participants’ fluency but also reinforces the importance of linguistic purity. Despite the high stakes, many contestants, including celebrities such as Funke Akindele, Falz, Ali Baba, Femi Adebayo, Lateef Adedimeji, and Saheed Osupa, have struggled to avoid English interjections, often leaving with modest winnings but a deeper appreciation for their linguistic heritage.

I could not help but laugh out loud while watching some of the episodes, as it became obvious that though we are Yorubas, we could not speak a full sentence without an English word. For many of the participants, seemingly simple words such as ‘ok’, ‘but’, ‘yes’, ‘sir’, ‘so’ were what let them down.

Cultural Impact and Reception

Since its inception, Masoyinbo has garnered significant attention, both locally and internationally. The show airs across various platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and DSTV, making it accessible to a broad audience. Its engaging format, blending humor with education, has resonated with viewers, reigniting interest in the Yoruba language and culture.

The show’s popularity is evident in its viewership statistics. Episodes have amassed hundreds of thousands of views across platforms, with some reaching over a million. This widespread engagement underscores the show’s effectiveness in promoting cultural pride and linguistic proficiency.

An Edutainment Masterpiece

Masoyinbo captivates audiences with its unique blend of humor, suspense, and cultural celebration, transforming language learning into an exhilarating experience. The show’s entertainment value is amplified by the presence of a silent co-host, Olofofo (Henry O. Teniola), who, adorned in traditional Yoruba attire, playfully distracts contestants with humorous antics, adding a layer of comedy to the linguistic challenge. This dynamic interaction keeps viewers engaged, as they anticipate both the contestants’ responses and Olofofo’s next move.

The combination of cultural immersion, comedic elements, and the high stakes of the game makes Masoyinbo not just an educational program but a compelling entertainment experience that resonates with a diverse audience, especially in a family setting, as has been the case with mine.

A Movement for Cultural Revival

Masoyinbo is more than a game show; it is a movement aimed at restoring the Yoruba language’s prominence in daily life. Fabilola emphasizes that avoiding code-mixing isn’t about rigidity but about fostering linguistic purity and cultural pride. He believes that if one wants to learn Yoruba, they should embrace it fully, without diluting it with English or other languages.

The show’s success has inspired a renewed interest in Yoruba culture, especially among the youth. By presenting the language in an engaging and contemporary format, Masoyinbo bridges the gap between tradition and modernity, ensuring that the Yoruba language remains vibrant and relevant.

The Genesis of Masoyinbo

The initiator and anchor of ‘Masoyinbo’, Olalekan Fabilola, is a Nigerian cultural entrepreneur, Yoruba language teacher, and advocate for Yoruba heritage. He conceived Masoyinbo as a response to the declining use of the Yoruba language among younger generations. Born in Oba-Ile, Akure, Nigeria, Fabilola’s early experiences with language were paradoxical: while his mother instilled in him a deep appreciation for Yoruba, his formal education discouraged its use, penalizing students for speaking it. This dichotomy fueled his passion for cultural preservation.

During his time at Covenant University, Fabilola’s engagement with Yoruba culture deepened. He joined the university theatre group, performing Yoruba chants at international conferences and Sunday services. His academic pursuits reflected this passion; he developed a Yoruba keyboard using QBASIC and created software translating 5,000 Yoruba proverbs into English and vice versa—a project recognized as one of the best in his department.

Behold the Winner

For over 126 episodes, the grand prize has remained elusive. The highest recorded win to date is ₦250,000 by Mrs. Adesola Adekunle in episode 81. The show’s creator and host, Olalekan Fabilola, emphasizes that the essence of Masoyinbo is not just entertainment but also education and cultural preservation.

As the search for the first grand prize winner continues, the anticipation grows. Perhaps, for the thrill and the challenge, I should consider participating in the program. Who knows? I might be the one to finally break the jinx and claim the coveted ₦1 million prize and brand-new car, donated to the programme by Remmy Martins.

For a glimpse into the show, should you be yet to encounter it, you can watch Masoyinbo Episode 81, featuring a contestant’s attempt to navigate the challenge without uttering a single English word.

MASOYINBO: Reviving Yoruba Identity Through Language and Learning Game