An In-depth Analysis on the Traditional Wisdom in Selected Songs of Ebenezer Obey

Academic Paper from the year 2021 in the subject Musicology - Contemporary music, grade: 2.5, University of Lagos, language: English, abstract: It is the aim of this research to portray how the Juju music of Evangelist Ebenezer Obeys lyrics encode traditional wisdom within it.Ebenezer Obey is known for weaving invaluable traditional wisdom in his music. His type of music, that is the popular genre known as Juju music has become a medium for passing quality insight on living. Perhaps, two things are notable for supplying residual animation that irrigates his lyrics: the fact that he borrows his raw materials form the lived experiences around him; and, the fact that his music gives free rein to the spirituality which takes its root from uprightness, virtue and being righteous. Ultimately, importation of this into his music makes it possible for his music to serve as a repository for traditional wisdom. To buttress the established premise, this research shall engage Obeys songs titled: "Igba Owuro", "Aimasiko", "Oro Ogunpa", "Ota mi Dehin Leyin mi" and "The Horse, The Man & The Son". These songs are classifed according to the similarities in their thematic preoccupation. They are also carefully selected because, apart from the fact that they bear witness to the research intention, they also touch on different aspects of our existential aspiration.