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]
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 |
Early life
editOdolaye 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
editLike 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
editOdolaye 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
editOdolaye's music serves as a valuable historical resource, providing insights into Yoruba oral literature and historical events.
Themes and commentary
editOdolaye'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
editAs 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.
{{cite web}}: line feed character in|title=at position 43 (help) - ^ 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.