The Vestige Of Court Poetry In Modern Yoruba Music: A Study Of Sikiru Ayinde Barrister

Abstract

This article examines the retention of some features of traditional court poetry in modern Yoruba music. The article's focus is the juju music even as Sikiru Ayinde Barrister attracts the attention of the article. Efforts are made to establish the similarities between court poets and modern musicians in the performance of the roles of checks and balances,
drawing from the memories of the past, both good and bad in order to propel towards a
glorious tomorrow. Characteristic of the traditional court poets, modern musicians explore,
to the maximum, the unique privilege of remarking on the king/leader and his activities for
his good and that of the people he presides over. Therefore, leisure, sought in music,
provides education, sensibility, training, construction and reconstruction to ensure: a better
living, a wonderful co-existence and, possibly an articulate global community.

Keywords: Court poetry, Yoruba music, juju music.

Indilinga Vol. 7 (1) 2008: pp. 23-36