The Concept of Illness and Musical Intervention Among Members of the Iyayi Society of the Esan, Edo State of Nigeria.

Abstract

The healing effect of music on man is very significant in most parts of the world. However, not much has been done by African researchers to study music and the ailments it heals especially among the peoples of Nigeria. This work examines the therapeutic effect of music in Iyayi society of Esan community, Edo state of Nigeria. The concept of illness, illness causation, the healing system and the specific songs used in healing of some ailments are investigated. It was found that music in the society is used as medicine as well as accompaniment to healing rites. The study concludes that Iyayi songs hold much promise for the development of pan African music therapy and as such should be notated. It therefore recommends that Iyayi songs are of immense benefits in the treatment and management of labour pains,
insomnia and general debilities.