Rethinking Values and Principles: An Examination of Osita Osadebe Songs in Igbo Cultural Value Preservation

Abstract

This study broaches a conversation on cultural values creation, preservation and regeneration in indigenous Igbo music. It occurs in the backdrop of the importance of indigenous music that goes beyond entertainment but is instrumental in promoting and sustaining inherent cultural values and realities in African societies. Therefore, using Igbo highlife genre as focus, and content analysis of Osita Osadebe songs, with semi-structured interviews conducted with purposively selected listeners of Osadebe songs, and critical interpretative approach, the cultural values of Osadebe’s songs and its place in culture preservation and regeneration were examined. The finding suggests that Osadebe songs communicate inherent Igbo cultural values of hard work, patience, spirituality (Chukwu/God) and contentment which are crucial to the Igbo worldview. These values were communicated not only via the lyric but also via his artistic techniques of ‘moments’ and ‘dualism’. The study concludes that Osadebe’s songs reflect the general beliefs and philosophies of the Igbo society, and this to a large extent has shaped the philosophies of some native Igbo speakers. However, there is a decline in these values due to the embrace of Westernization, foreign religion and lifestyle that has characterized modern indigenous music.KeywordsOsadebeIgbo MusicCultureValuesRegenerationIndigenous language