Role of Indigenous Yoruba Music in the Cultural Development of Ilorin

Abstract

music serves the purpose of entertainment, education, enlightenment, warning, chastisement and praises. The indigenous music has remained a veritable instrument of socialization among the Yoruba since the precolonial period. The study attempts to explore the role of indigenous music in the cultural development of Ilorin. The study adopted a historical research method, comprising the use of oral interviews as primary source, and relevant written materials as secondary sources. Ilorin is a heterogeneous community with a majority Yoruba, and a mixed Hausa, Fulani, Nupe, Bariba, Kanuri and Gobir population. Indigenous music plays formidable roles in the preservation of culture and tradition among the diverse groups. There are several Yoruba indigenous music forms in the city. These include Dadakuada, Balu, Waka, Were, Agbe, Senwele, Kengbe and Fuji. The Islamic influence has been quite visible in the various music compositions because the religion is a strong unifying force among the various people. In addition to entertainment, Ilorin indigenous musicians use their composition give contents on the genealogy of their client, which makes the music a dependable source of oral history. The Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union has been a strong support in the sustenance of the culture of traditional music in the Ilorin emirate. The study discovered a strong influence of Islamic religion on the composition and deliverance of the Indigenous music in Ilorin. In spite of the external influence of foreign religions, European colonialism and the eroding impact of Western civilisation, the indigenous music has remained alive among Ilorin people.