BIRD SONGS IN YORUBA SYMBOLISM

Abstract

Birdsongs have been a subject of fascination and study among various cultures around the world, and the Yoruba people of Nigeria are no exception. In Yoruba culture, birdsongs are believed to be more than just pleasing sounds; they are seen as messages from the spirit world (Adeoye, 2017). According to Yoruba belief, different species of birds are associated with specific deities and spiritual forces, and these bird songs carry important messages that can be interpreted by those who understand them (Omojola, 2006). This study examines the symbolic meaning of some selected birds in Yoruba land, exploring their functionality meaning in Yoruba culture. The study draws on eco-musicology and semiosis theories. Birdsongs of Yoruba popular musicians from their debut albums were analysed, and data was gathered through interviews with music enthusiasts and indigenous cultural practitioners. The study found in-depth identity meanings, such as the association of the "igunugu" bird with the deity of wisdom and the "adaba" bird as a symbol of fertility, in the music of the birds in Yoruba land. These findings contribute to the pool of knowledge by uncovering the symbolic and identity significance of birdsongs in Yoruba land. This study recommends that these symbolic meanings should be incorporated into school curricula and Yoruba folklore, mythology, and oral traditions to preserve Yoruba cultural heritage and values.