The Yoruba

The Yoruba are a ethnic group with their own language, and are from West Africa mainly Nigeria. They use music on special occasions in life such as religious festivals, royal occasions and entertainment.

Their music is played basically with Dundun ( a typical drum of West Africa ), the voice of the singers and the clapping of their hands, sometimes metal bells and wind instruments are used, performing a very simple but very specific music. The singing is rather caracteristic as well, the words must be pronounced in a appropriate tone, in order to the speech be understood with the correct meaning of the words.

Yoruba's popular music originated a style in the 20's called Juju, and it's well know in Nigeria. Juju comes from the traditional Yoruba's music played with drums, but evolved into a dance music which is played by a large group of people in circle, with guitars and drumming. Singing is also a major part of Juju and their lyrics are inspired in Yoruba's poetry, proverbs, praise songs and musical character of the languange.

The Yoruba's music as originated many other genres such Highlife, which combines the african sounds, with western music and jazz instruments, Sakara is Yoruba's music with islamic influences and the singing made by present day singers, although the theme of the remains the same; Agidigbo is a piano based Yoruba music and also uses in conjuction with a bell and a typical Dundun.

Yoruba music as originated a large number of musical genres, and probably even some contemporary music that we listen .