Philosophical elements in àgídìgbo music and their didactic values for promoting effective educational system for Africa

Abstract

This work suggests that there is a decline in the moral values and cultural ethos among the African populace, largely attributed to a combination of leadership capital deficit and decadence in the school system. Hence, there is a need to dig into Africa’s enduring indigenous knowledge system, including philosophical-based traditional music genres, was recommended as part of sustainable home-grown solutions. Àgídìgbo music among the Yorùbá of Nigeria is one of such vocal-based traditional forms, and in this context, this exercise explores Yorùbá philosophical nuances embedded in àgídìgbo music with a view to understanding their educational values. Qualitative research methodology was adopted, acknowledging that Àgídìgbo compositions are rooted in proverbs, aphorisms and parables; presented in symbols of skilled language using figures of speech, imagery and other poetic elements with moral values projected in the music based upon the Yorùbá philosophy of ọmọlúàbí, whose attributes include ìjúbà (paying of homage), ìwà pẹ̀lẹ́ (gentleness), ìtẹpámọ́ṣẹ́ (hard work), àforítì (endurance) among others. Thus, as an enculturative traditional African music, àgídìgbo music is a valuable genre for correcting social ills and reinforcing cultural values, as its musical excerpts are also veritable didactic repertories for promoting cognitive and affective development.