Court music and National Development in Nigeria: The Alaafin of Oyo experience

Abstract

Court music is played in the palace of kings (Oba, Obi, Sarkin, Etsu and Alaafin) in Nigeria. The music consists of both vocal and instrumental repertories. The music forms part of the integrative mechanisms of traditional political system due to its function. The most important thing about court music is the historical nature of the vocal and instrumental repertories. The Alafin of Oyo is the supreme head of all the kings and princes of the Yoruba nation, as he is the direct lineal descendant and successor of the reputed founder of the nation. This study, court music and national development in Nigeria examined the functional role of court music in Oyo community and in the palace of Alaafin Oyo, (Oyo is the name of a tradition popular town in Yoruba land in Nigeria). The study highlights the features of the Yoruba court music and discusses the impact of court music to the people of Oyo as a means of national development in the community. The study made used of oral tradition and written documents in its data collection approach. The outcome of the study reveals the impact and contribution of court music to the development and growth of Oyo community in ceremony communication, education, entertainment, history, politics, and ritual/religion and as a means of national development among Yoruba people of Nigeria. A conclusion is therefore dawn that court music is historical in nature in vocal and instrumental repertories. It communicates the beliefs, custom and values of the Yoruba in various ways. Court music records historical events and transmits social means in the traditional society.