"PRESERVING THE YORUBA APALA MUSIC GENRE THROUGH CHORAL PLATFORMS ON THE INTERNET"

Abstract

Apala music holds a special place in the cultural practices of the Yoruba people of Nigeria. Rooted in history and tradition, Apala music is timeless, with unique rhythms, music and lyrical stories. As the world goes digital, the question of how to preserve this precious heritage in cyberspace arises. Preserving the Yoruba Apala music genre in cyberspace is confronted with substantial challenges due to the lack of extensive digital recordings, limited online access, and the risk of misrepresentation due to the potential loss of heritage and history. This study prescribes the strategies to effectively maintain, protect, reproduce and sustain Apala music culture in cyberspace. This article highlights the concept of the Apala music genre of the Yoruba, describes the musical performance and the potential of choral platforms for preserving Apala music, discusses the challenges of preserving Apala music, and discusses strategies to protect this genre. The methodology for this study is qualitative, and data were elicited through observation, oral interviews, biography and other bibliographical evidence. The conceptual framework for this study is based on the concept of cultural hybridity and globalisation. The paper argues that choral platforms offer a promising way to preserve Apala music in the digital economy. However, the paper also acknowledges some challenges associated with using choral platforms. These challenges include developing new digital tools for preserving Apala music, training choral conductors to use choral platforms, and raising awareness of Apala music among younger generations. The paper concludes by proposing some ways choral platforms can be used to preserve Apala music. The study recommends, among others, a collaborative effort between choral conductors, musicians, and scholars.