Odolaye Aremu
Alhaji Odolaye Aremu Mohammodu Odolaye Aremu | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1943 Ilorin |
| Origin | Ilorin |
| Died | 1997 |
| Genres | Dadakuada |
| Occupation(s) | Folks Musician, Praise Singer |
| Instrument(s) | Gangan, Bata Talking Drum |
| Labels | Olatubosun Records |
Mohammodu Odolaye Aremu was an Ilorin-born Dadakuada[1] artist who sang in many Yoruba cities and recorded many albums until he died in 1997.[2][3] During his life, he lived in many places including Ibadan, Ilorin, Abeokuta, Okeho, Shaki and Lagos. However, he spent most of his time in Ibadan.[4][5]
Early life
[edit]Odolaye Arẹmu was a renowned Yoruba oral poet and musician from Ilorin, Nigeria.[3] Born and raised in Ilorin, he later based himself in Ibadan during the 1960s and 1980s.[1]
Musical career
[edit]Like many Yoruba musicians, he sang praises of many important and famous people in society. This includes Dr. Olusola Saraki, Chief Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Arisekola Alao; Alhaji Jimoh Saro, Chief Meredith Adisa Akinloye, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, Chief Ladoke Akintola, Ariyibi Adedibu and many others.[6][7]
Music and style
[edit]Odolaye was a prominent exponent of Dadakuada music, a traditional Yoruba genre. His songs combined oriki (praise songs) and owe (proverbs and epigrams), addressing social, political, economic, and cultural issues.[8]
Historical significance
[edit]Odolaye's music serves as a valuable historical resource, providing insights into Yoruba oral literature and historical events.
Themes and commentary
[edit]Odolaye's songs entertained, educated, and mobilized his audience, tackling issues like national unity and survival. He presented himself as informed about Nigeria and its problems, often commenting on contemporary events.[8]
Legacy
[edit]As a partisan poet, Odolaye supported various political parties during Nigeria's First, Second, and aborted Third Republics.[8][2] His music remains an important part of Yoruba cultural heritage, offering unique perspectives on Nigerian history and society.[8]
Discography
[edit]• Olowe Mowe
• Alakori Alakowe
• Eniyan Nlanla Lo
• Ilorin Lawa
References
[edit]- ^ a b Na'allah, Abdulrasheed (1992-01-01). "Dadakuada: the Crisis of a Traditional Oral Genre in a Modern Islamic Setting". Journal of Religion in Africa. 22 (4): 318–330. doi:10.1163/157006692X00031. ISSN 1570-0666.
- ^ a b Na'Allah, Abdul-Rasheed (October 1996). "THE ORIGIN OF EGUNGUN: A CRITICAL LITERARY APPRAISAL" (PDF). African Study Monographs. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
- ^ a b "Yoruba Oral Tradition in Islamic Nigeria: A History of Dàdàkúàdá". Routledge & CRC Press.
- ^ "Odolaye Aremu". 2023.
- ^ "Odolaye Aremu Archives". HighlifeNg. 2023-05-04. Retrieved 2023-12-31.
- ^ "Nigeria: Arisekola-Alao - Exit of Quintessential Ibadan Man". Daily Independent. 21 Jun 2014. Archived from the original on 3 Feb 2021.
- ^ "Ilaji: Let there be light …". 2023.
- ^ a b c d Otukoko, Ismail S. "FolkSongsasSourcesofHistory: AnAnalysisofAlhajiOdolayeAremu'sIlorinDadakuadaMusic". Vunajournalofhistoryandinternationalrelations. 7 (1): 1.