FOLK SONGS AS CONTRIVANCE FOR PROMOTING YORUBA CULTURAL VALUES AND SOCIAL INTERACTION AMONG YORUBA CHILDREN

Abstract

Music is share of culture and therefore establishes an integral part of the life of people. The inherent value of folk music cannot be challenged in promotion of cultural values and social interaction in a Yoruba child and in the making of a child as being resourceful, useful and a good citizen, living according to the societal norms and customs. This study employed the historical research method. The study identifies and provides musical notation of some selected Yoruba folk songs materials that can be interpreted musically and also examines the influence and efficacy of Yoruba folk songs in promoting cultural and moral values and social interaction among children. The lyrics of some selected folk songs were analysed. The findings revealed that folk songs establish a vibrant forum through which members of a society respond and acclimatize to the culture of the society and a veritable tool for social interaction. It therefore recommends that contemporary government and cultural institutions like traditional leaders, Obas (Kings) and chiefs should provide better funding and cultural support in order to ensure preservation of such cultural institutions and heritage. The media will also do so much through an incessant broadcast of folk songs.