TRANSITING FROM ANECDOTES TO PRAXIS: ADOPTING AFRICAN TRADITIONAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS FOR APPLIED MUSIC IN NIGERIAN COLLEGES OF EDUCATION

Abstract

Communication is valued by people globally and, the Yoruba ethnic group in Nigeria uses verbal and non-verbal means to communicate among themselves. In the olden days, if the neighboring communities (enemies) are coming to fight war, the ‘Iya Ilu - Dundun’ can be used to inform the villagers to get ready. Also, if a visitor arrives at the king’s palace, drummers may use drums to inform king of the happening just to mention a few. Okunade, (2010.73) noted that, “….when the researcher arrived at the palace. Immediately he will be cited as a stranger, the musicians (drummers) led by the leader (Iya - Ilu drummer), played the phrase ‘Tenu e ni o wo, te nu e ni o gbo, ko to mo hun ti o fe so’ (Meaning: Observe his / her utterances, listen to his / her message, before considering your response). The mother drum (Iya-Ilu) would lead an ensemble drums in music performances of the traditional Yoruba people in Nigeria.