Music, Sound, and African Oral Traditions in the Yewa Community

Abstract

This paper explores the crucial role of musical sounds in preserving African oral traditions in the Yewa community, Ogun State, Nigeria. In this context, Sonic refers to the use of audio equipment, software, or techniques for producing, recording, or manipulating sound. Using a mixed-methods approach, which includes Ethnographic fieldwork, focus groups, case studies, and content analysis, the paper investigates how sonic elements, such as rhythm, melody, and lyrics, contribute to preserving and transmitting oral traditions. Ethnographic fieldwork and case studies provide rich contextual data for the musical and contextual analysis to capture a wide range of views and themes for objectivity. The research aims to develop innovative preservation strategies to safeguard the Yewa community's rich cultural heritage. It focuses on how music and sound preserve and pass down folk songs, myths, and legends. The findings highlight specific sonic elements and musical structures crucial to preserving Yewa oral traditions. The study reveals how music and sound convey the community's cultural values, beliefs, and histories. It also shows evidence of music and sound effectively transmitting oral traditions across generations. Finally, the research provides recommendations for innovative preservation strategies incorporating music and sound to protect Yewa's cultural heritage. By uncovering the significance of music and sound in preserving oral traditions, this study contributes to developing effective preservation methods for African cultural heritage.