The place of song text in Bari Bii music song text in shaping the moral standard of Ogoni people of Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

The Ogoni community is located in the south-south geopolitical location of Nigeria, and is filled with cultural activities. The study is on the place of song text in Bari Bii music group of Ogoni. Bari Bii group is an age long musical group and Bari Bii in Ogoni language means “God’s play.” Their forefathers’ played the Bari Bii in the night. However, the current generation plays the Bari Bii during the day time. Their music still has the same concept and purposes. Song texts in Bari Bii music is used to check bad behaviours and deviant actions. Because of the song texts of Bari Bii music group, any person who commits atrocities in the community either willingly decides to leave the community on exile or bribes the Bari Bii members not to expose his ills. However, after taking the bribe, with time the person’s crime will still be exposed. Two of Bari Bii song texts were discussed. Song number one is entitled Adam and song number two is Nebuchanezzar (Nebuchadnezzar). The two songs are in call and response forms. Also the songs are in Ogoni language and the songs portray the bad behaviours exhibited by men because of women and the men were exposed by Bari Bii music group through their song texts. To achieve this, primary and secondary sources were sourced through observation, imitation, oral interview, participation, and library sources. Findings revealed that of a truth, Bari Bii song texts are used to mould human characters, check social vices and also express emotional, physical and mental activities. Recommendations were made for the progress of the group. In conclusion, Bari Bii group songs texts portray the identity of the people and serve as a unifying factor. It also encourages a crime free community where people express love and oneness for the progress of the community.