Traditional Music and the Expression of Yoruba Socio-cultural Values: A Historical Analysis. Issue 2 (3rd July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Babátúndé Yussuf, N.; Oladipo Olúbòmęhìn, O.
• Is Part Of: Muziki. Volume 15:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 61
• Page End: 74
• Publication Date: 2018-07-03
• Subjects: culture -- history -- music -- society -- Yoruba; Music -- Periodicals; Music -- Research -- Africa -- Periodicals; 780.5
• DOI: 10.1080/18125980.2018.1554980
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1812-5980

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The Yoruba people of south-western Nigeria are one of the most socially diverse groups on the African continent. A major feature that sets them apart from other groups in Nigeria is their accomplishment in the arts and entertainment industry, especially music. Jùjú, fùjì, àpàlà and sákárà music are among the popular genres of music that originated among the Yoruba people. How and when these forms of music emerged in the Nigerian music scene has remained a puzzle to historians. However, it is generally believed that these genres of music originated from popular folk music among the Yoruba people during the colonial era and gradually grew to become popular forms of music in the country after independence in 1960. This paper traces the origin and the significance of Yoruba traditional music in Nigeria as well as its roles in popularising the cultural values and heritage of the Yoruba people at home and in the diaspora. It is argued that music constitutes an important medium through which Yoruba values have been sustained in society in the face of the aggressive cultural imperialism that is fast encroaching the African continent. The methodology used is a purely historical approach involving the analysis of archival materials and oral evidence. Other primary source materials, as well as secondary sources, were also consulted.