Thematic study of songs that promote Islamic teachings in Yorubaland

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Periodical article

Title:	Thematic study of songs that promote Islamic teachings in Yorubaland
Author:	Adekoya, J.S.
Year:	2008
Periodical:	Orita: Ibadan Journal of Religious Studies (ISSN 0030-5596)
Volume:	40
Issue:	2
Pages:	103-127
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	popular music Islamization religious songs
Abstract:	Music is an essential part of the culture of the Yoruba of Nigeria. However, in Yorubaland, as elsewhere, Islam has a theological tradition of opposition to music, while on the other hand it has been an incubator of musical evolution and protector of musical traditions. This apparent contradiction has led scholars and ethnomusicologists to focus on whether music is permitted ('halâl') or forbidden ('harâm') in Islam, neglecting the role that music plays in proselytization and the expansion of Islam. Based on (fragments of) texts of musical albums by notable Yoruba Muslim singers, this paper investigates the role of music in the promotion of Islam in Yorubaland. These Islamic 'gospel' musicians choose doctrinal themes or pillars of faith to teach people about their religion. The paper uses these pillars of faith - God, angels, the prophets, holy books and the Last Day - as the themes for testing how some Muslim musicians promote Islam or teach people to have faith in God through their music. Ref. [ASC Leiden abstract]