ACMJ Article

Abstract

The study examined the moral lessons in the works of three select Yoruba musicians. King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey, and Sikiru Ayinde Barrister's music genres were explored to ascertain their moral value contents in relation to societal issues and their influence on their audiences. Survey design was applied, while data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to fans of the musicians. The data were analysed with simple statistical tools—frequency, percentage, and tables. The findings revealed the application of moral themes in the music of the three Yoruba artists. They further showed that the influence of the moral lessons in the music of these musicians on their listeners was profound and reflected in the moral rectitude that the listeners exhibited. Based on these findings, the study, among others, recommended the application of music replete with moral values, beyond entertainment, as a strategic tool for social orientation, advocacy, enhanced education, and sensitisation of listeners to stem the tide of current moral decadence that is prevalent in society. It is also recommended that artists of other music genres in Nigeria take a cue from these three Yoruba musicians and incorporate moral themes and lessons in their music for the moral improvement of the society.

COMMUNICATING MORALS THROUGH MUSIC: AN EXPLORATION OF TRADITIONAL YORUBA MUSIC OF EBENEZER OBEY, SUNNY ADE AND SIKIRU AYINDE BARRISTER, 2024, Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 95-107. PDF