ROLE OF MUSIC IN TRADITIONAL FESTIVAL
CHAPTER ONE
1.1 Background To The Study
An accurate and concise definition of music is fundamental to being able to discuss, categorize, and otherwise
consider what we understand as being music. “Explications of the concept of music usually begin with the idea
that music is organized sound. They go on to note that this characterization is too broad, since there are many
examples of organized sound that are not music, such as human speech, and the sounds non-human animals and
machines make” (Kania 2014). Many authorities have suggested definitions, but defining music turns out to be
more difficult than might first be imagined. As this article will demonstrate, there is ongoing controversy about
how to define music.
The Concise Oxford Dictionary defines music as “the art of combining vocal or instrumental sounds (or both) to
produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion” (Concise Oxford Dictionary 1992). However, the
music genres known as Noise music and Musique concrete, for instance, challenge these ideas about what
constitutes music’s essential attributes by using sounds not widely considered as musical, like randomly
produced electronic distortion, feedback, static, cacophony, and compositional processes using indeterminacy
(Priest 2013, 132; Hagerty 2007). A famous example of the dilemma in defining music is modern composer
John Cage’s composition titled 4’33”. The written score has three movements and directs the performer(s) to
appear on stage, indicate by gesture or other means when the piece begins, then make no sound and only mark
sections and the end by gesture. What is heard are only whatever ambient sounds may occur in the room. Some
argue this is not music because, for example, it contains no sounds that are conventionally considered “musical”
and the composer and performer(s) exert no control over the organization of the sounds heard (Dodd 2013).
Others argue it is music because the conventional definitions of musical sounds are unnecessarily and arbitrarily
limited, and control over the organization of the sounds is achieved by the composer and performer(s) through
their gestures that divide what is heard into specific sections and a comprehensible form (Gann 2010).
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Music has played a role in society since the dawn of man. Said to be the beginning of communication in early
civilization, music and dance have influenced how we think, act and treat members of our own society. Song and
dance is used in rites of passage ceremonies such as births, weddings and funerals throughout the world.
Jamaican and Yoruba cultures have made many contributions to our society. The uses of this music as a vehicle
for political issues, values, and beliefs have been used by many musicians from different cultures. The discuss
refers to the Contribution of these two contemporary cultures music and their effect on society.
The Yoruba people live mostly in Southwestern Nigeria. Traditionally, the Yoruba organized themselves into
networks of related villages, towns and kingdoms; with most of them headed by a king or mayor. (2013) Music
and dance have always been an important part of Yoruba culture for those living in Nigeria as well as in the
diaspora. Yoruba music and dance are used for many different occasions in life such as religious festivals, royal
occasions, and entertainment. Yoruba traditional music focuses on Yoruba deities. Drums and singing are the
main elements of Yoruba music. (2013)
Juju music emerged in the 1920’s and is the most well-known form of Yoruba popular contemporary music in
Nigeria. Juju has its roots in traditional Yoruba drum based music. Juju is dance music played by large
ensembles centered on guitars and drumming. Singing is a major part of Juju music and is inspired by Yoruba
poetry, proverbs, praise songs, and the musical character of the language. The culture and music remained the
same for decades after colonization and its explorers left Nigeria. However music like culture exact great
influence on the behavior of people in the society and a weapon of change and conflict by those who wrongfully
manipulate it. Therefore the problem confronting the research is to appraise Role of Music in Traditional
Festival
1.2 Objectives of the Study
To determine Role of Music in Traditional Festival
1.3 Research Questions
What is the role of music in traditional festival
1.4 Significance of the Study
The study shall appraise the role of music in traditional festival
Music and dance have influenced how we think, act and treat members of our own society. Song and dance is
used in rites of passage ceremonies such as births, weddings and funerals throughout the world. Jamaican and
Yoruba cultures have made many contributions to our society. The uses of this music as a vehicle for political
issues, values, and beliefs have been used by many musicians from different cultures.
1.5 Research Hypothesis
Ho Role of Music in Traditional Festival is negative
Hi Role of Music in Traditional Festival is poistive
1.6 Scope of the Study
The study focuses on the appraisal of the Role of Music in Traditional Festival
1.7 Limitations of the Study
The study was confronted by some constraints including logistics and geographical factors.
1.8 Definition of Terms
“Explications of the concept of music usually begin with the idea that music is organized sound. The Concise
Oxford Dictionary defines music as “the art of combining vocal or instrumental sounds (or both) to produce
beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion” (Concise Oxford Dictionary 1992)
