MUSICAL HEALING RITUALS AND COMMUNITY IDENTITYINCONTEMPORARY YORUBA SOCIETY

Abstract

This ethnomusicological investigation examines the therapeutic functions of Yoruba musical
traditions within contemporary healing practices across southwestern Nigeria. Through extensivefieldwork in Ibadan, Oyo, and Osogbo, this research explores how traditional Yoruba musical
systems particularly those associated with Ifá divination, Egúngún masquerade, andÒrìṣàworship continue to serve as mechanisms for psychological healing, social integration, andcultural identity preservation in rapidly modernising urban environments. The researchrevealsthat Yoruba musical healing practices operate through understanding of the relationship betweenrhythm, tonal language, spiritual cosmology, and community wellness. By analysingtheintersection of musical performance, ritual practice, and therapeutic intervention, thisinvestigation contributes to our understanding of how indigenous African musical systems adapt
to contemporary challenges whilst maintaining their essential healing functions. The findingsdemonstrate that Yoruba musical traditions represent a complex therapeutic frameworkthat
addresses individual trauma, family dysfunction, and community discord through carefullyorchestrated ritual performances that integrate music, dance, divination, and herbal medicine