Meet Your Course Moderator

I would like to introduce everyone to your course section moderator. Iya Bridget, Abirola, is the elder of her Ile, Ile Aganju of Evanston, IL. Also, we would like to introduce Iya Nefferitit, Mobosade. Iya Neff is the elder of her Ile, Ile Erinle of Detroit, MI. Both have just joined the curriculum this Spring. We are proud to introduce them both as moderators for the Understanding Yorùbá Spirituality Through Proverbs course. 

Iya Mobosade (Nefertiti Harris), Priestess of Erinle

Nefertiti Harris (Mobosade) is a member of Ile Osikan, initiated by Asabi Agongoloju, and a twenty-year priest of Erinle. Her relationship with the orisa began twenty-eight years ago. With the guidance of orisa, she embraces the process of alignment, balance, and introspection. She strives for iwa pele and to serve as a vehicle for the divine. Nefertiti is also a spiritualist and medium that utilizes messages from the ancestors, spirit guides, and oracle cards to facilitate balance and healing for her clients. She provides spiritual insight that helps one cultivate a stronger connection with their higher-self is the intentions she sets for them.

Iya Abriola (Bridget Thomas), Priestess of Aganju

Iya Abirola, Bridget Thomas, began performing at a young age when her older sister, Dee Dee Thomas, created a neighborhood theatre group called “Babes on Broadway”. Though not able to follow her dream of becoming a performer, the arts stayed close to Abirola. After graduating college she began performing around Chicago land with a local singing group Call Jade; Abirola choreographed as well as sang for the group. From 1992 – 2003, Abirola performed with Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago beginning as a workshop moving up to apprentice then part time member. Under Muntu, She studied dances from the African diaspora mainly traditional dances from West Africa. During that same time, Abrola began studying the Afro Cuban religious and folkloric dances; when her older sister Iya Asabi, began her journey in the Yoruba religion Abirola followed. Her and her sister began performing for religious and cultural function with Grupo Okokan all around Chicago. Today, Abirola not only performs for religious and cultural function but also as a dance class teaching the songs and dances of the Orishas. 

Please introduce yourselves...