ABC gratefully acknowledges the support of: Hivos, the Humanist Institue for Cooperation with Developing Countries

Battles of Songs

Udje Tradition of the Urhobo

G. G. Darah

This is a study of the principal aspects of the Udje tradition Á poetry, dance and music Á of the Udu and Aghievwen divisions of the Urhobo of Delta State, Nigeria. It defines the territorial scope of the study, surveys Udu and Ughievwen social history, and situates Udje within the context of the Urhobo song-poetry tradition; reviews the theoretical perspectives on the practice of satire in the Udje dance-songs, and considers the conceptual views of some Udje practitioners of Udje, both as a literary art and as a medium for social reform; and attempts to classify and describe Udje songs. The concluding chapters consider the decline of the Udje tradition and the satirical song-poetry tradition in Urhobo, reviewing how post 1960s trends are likely to affect the artistic integrity of Udje in the future.

ISBN 9789780231583 | 272 pages | 216 x 140 mm | 2005 | Malthouse Press, Nigeria | Paperback

Categories:

About the Author

G. G. Darah

G.G. Darah is Professor of Literature in English at Delta State University and a specialist in African literature and folklore. He has taught at Obafemi Awolowo University and was Chairman of the Board of the Guardian Newspaper (Nigeria).

Document Actions