Traditional Music in Nigeria: Example of Ayinla Omowura’s Music

Music is a universal language of mankind. It is also a product of the creative genius in man. Good music makes this world a desirable place for all. It plays significant roles in shaping the society, takes away sadness and gives us happiness. To this effect, this paper concerns itself with traditional music in Nigeria with a particular focus on Apala- a popular Yoruba traditional music. It traced the origin and forms of Apala as emanating from diverse Yoruba sub-groups and most importantly, examined the significant role of traditional music as agent of change in Nigerian society, it also emphasized that music and musicians are not mere entertainers, but also instruments of social change. The music of Late Alhaji Ayinla Omowura, popularly called Egunmogaji was used as case study. Keywords: Traditional music, Apala, Ayinla Omowura, Yoruba, Nigeria, Social change