Yoruba Culture And Its Relationship To Music.
The Yoruba culture is one of the richest cultures jn Nigeria. When I say rich, this doesn’t mean financially alone but has to do with popularity, exposure and all. Yoruba language is still one one the highest spoken language in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
To an extent, every tribe has their traditions and culture. They all have their costume, what they do and their music style and life.
When it comes to Yoruba songs, we should be able to note that in such song, the Yoruba language will be the prominent language in that song. Secondly, the beat sounds different. If it’s a R&B song, it will be clear but when it comes to Yoruba song, listening to the beat itself will notify you that this is a Yoruba song.
When we talk about Yoruba songs, there are also genres of Yoruba songs which I will be giving an example of songs on each genres. We have three main genres of Yoruba songs. Here, I do not mean that we do not have other genres but for now, we have three prominent genres of Yoruba songs and that are still ruling the Nigerian music industry till this day.
Fuji Genre
When listing one of the prominent fore founders of the Fuji genre, Alh. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister must be mentioned. He’s one the pioneers of Fuji music and makes it popular and relevant until today.
In Fuji songs, the Yoruba language will be 90% spoken. Let’s have one of those Fuji songs I’m familiar with.
How or what does this song sound like? It’s giving a Yoruba vibe and for we, Yorubas, we are fond of a particular costume called Iro and Buba which fits and goes well with this song.
Apala genre
Talking about the Apala genre, I think we should give a big kudos to Alh. Musiliu Ishola. Talking about people who gave the Apala genre life, popularity and relevance till today, he’s that prominent person.
It’s a kind of slow song with a beat and sound called Rara in Yoruba language.
Let’s have a song from him.
This song is titled Opon Apala Ti Sun by Alh. Musiliu Haruna Ishola. This song was released over twenty years ago but I’m wondering how relevant it is that people still play it at parties today and it is one of the songs that is usually played at any Yoruba party.
Afro genre
This is the most popular genre out of these three and that’s why I have saved the best for the last. This genre is more popular because a lot of Nigerian youths have now migrated to singing this genre which was mostly pushed by Late Fela Kuti.
He’s one prominent Afro beat singer who revealed the ills of our society. Let’s have a performance from him as well.
When talking about Yoruba songs, these three prominent genres must be mentioned. We have others like Shekere and all but these three genres have it all.
Yoruba songs are great and fun if you understand the language and tribe in particular.