Sociological background and emotional experiences in selected Yoruba traditional musical forms

Abstract

This study explores the distinguished characters and emotional experiences of selected traditional Yoruba musical forms and focuses on the sociological background and events which have contributed to the emotional experience of traditional Yoruba musical forms. Therefore, the paper clarified the relativity of evoking associations which determines the musical forms in the traditional music-making of the Yoruba people. Music is omnipresent and it is appreciated and respected within the traditional Yoruba society. The goal of this micro-sociological and ethnographical research in Yoruba music was to produce as detailed distinguished character description and emotional experience of the potential social impacts in the Yoruba music structures. The application of context analysis to investigate Yoruba traditional music is intended for a complete and an in-depth understanding of the music. The theoretical framework for this study is the Aristotle’s theory of art as an imitation of life. The study brought to fore the various circumstances, religious, ritual beliefs, environmental factors and cultures of Yoruba people as determinants of musical forms. In consequence, the following are the Yoruba musical forms; responsorial and recitative forms, General chorus form, incantation call and response form, round form, proverbial free form, free song form, nonsense syllable form and historical song form.