ILI MI | Kankanaey Indigenous Folk Song [Jeffrey Ettie]

#17threlease
#wheremywordsandmelodymeetAI
#hybridmusiccollection

“ILI MI” is a song I wrote out of love for my cultural and Indigenous roots as an Igorot. The title itself speaks of home—not just a place, but a feeling shaped by our land, traditions, and the people who raised us. This song is written in Kankanaey, a language that carries memory, identity, and the quiet strength of the Cordillera.

While ILI MI is rooted in Igorot culture, this song is not meant only for Igorot people. It’s shared humbly for anyone who takes pride in their cultural roots, ancestry, and what makes their community distinct. Wherever you come from, if you value your beginnings and the place you call home, this song is for you.

I originally wrote ILI MI on December 31, 2025, with the intention of releasing it in the New Year—as a simple gift of inspiration and melody for my fellow Cordillerans as we step into a new season together. It’s a reminder to move forward while still carrying our roots with us.

The melody and musical production are AI-assisted, while the heart of the song—its lyrics, emotion, and meaning—remains deeply human and personal. AI was used only as a tool to help shape the sound, while keeping the original feeling intact.

Thank you for listening and for sharing this moment of home with me.

Ay ay salidummay diway.

LYRICS
[Verse 1]
Kadunduntugan, Ginawang, ya san daya
Mangi isturya sin nap napu-an mi
San kin wanin di am-ama ibingay mi
Inam-amag da gapus natagu-an mi

[Pre-chorus]
Ug-ugali ay mayat ikansyon mi
San sursuru ay nabiyagan itayaw mi

[Chorus]
Siya'y gapu si tumangadan
Ya duwan pan-iyamanan
Ili ay dinmakdak-an
Waday tsyempu ay nanligat yan binma ngun kasin
Dunduntug san ay tistigu
Tsyempu siya di ay nangila
gawis ay na-amagan da
Aywanan ta pan-adalan di ka apu-an

[Verse 2]
Am in ay manpasyal ipangu mi
Tawid mi ay gawis ikwani mi
Adi man-i is-u ay kali ya ugali
Kararag da siya ud pay adawag mi

[Pre-chorus]
Ug-ugali ay mayat ikansyon mi
San sursuru ay nabiyagan itayaw mi

[Chorus]
Siya'y gapu si tumangadan
Ya duwan pan-iyamanan
Ili ay dinmakdak-an
Waday tsyempu ay nanligat yan binmangun kasin
Dunduntug san ay tistigu
Tsyempu siya di ay nangila
gawis ay na-amagan da
Aywanan ta pan-adalan di kaapu-an

[Adlib]
Ay aaaay salidumay
Ay aaaay salidumay

[Chorus]
Siya'y gapu si tu mangadan
Ya duwan pan-iyamanan
Ili ay dinmakdak-an
Waday tsyempu ay nanligat yan binmangun kasin
Dunduntug san ay tistigu
Tsyempu siya di ay nangila
gawis ay na-amagan da
Aywanan ta pan-adalan di kaapu-an