A STUDY OF THE FORM, CONTENT AND PERFORMANCE OF AGATU SONGS

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Author

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Department of Arts

ABSTRACT
This study sets out to investigate the song genre and its continued relevance to cultural studies in general and literature in particular. This is the first study that attempts a systematic analysis of Agatu songs. The thesis analyzes a representative corpus of Agatu oral songs and demonstrates that these songs are essentially the aspect of Agatu oral poetry. All the data collected transcribed, translated and analyzed in this study was done at the location of performances. Functional approach is applied to this study. Chapter one introduces the subject of the study; it defines the singers‟ training, career and status, statement of research problem, aim and objective, justification for study, scope, methodology and historical background of the Agatu people. Chapter two defines the conceptual reviews of related topic which include: songs in general functions of Agatu songs, reviews of previous studies and theoretical framework. Chapter three discusses the form and content of Akpanchala songs. It attempts a systematic discussion of this song-form from formulae to poetic conventions such as ideophones, metaphor, alliteration, and assonance. Chapter four examines Okpeke songs under the umbrella of panegyric or praise song. In tracing the origin, nature, performance and functions, the study shows that Agatu people evolved such a form as they grappled with the contradiction of the Agatu environment. x Chapter five discusses Ayon song which is the satiric variety of Akpanchala and Okpeke song forms as a traditional artist, highly ranked because his art is a social function. Chapter six brings together and summarized the findings of this study. The second part of this study is made up of 12 songs with each song having its appendix which central theme is similar, and the annotated transcription and translation of each song is followed by a prosodic analysis and commentary.