Odolaye Aremu

Last updated
Alhaji
Odolaye Aremu
Mohammodu Odolaye Aremu
Born1943
Ilorin
Origin Ilorin
Died1997
GenresDadakuada
Occupation(s)Folks Musician, Praise Singer
Instrument(s)Gangan, Bata Talking Drum
LabelsOlatubosun 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]

Contents

Early life

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

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

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

Odolaye's music serves as a valuable historical resource, providing insights into Yoruba oral literature and historical events.

Themes and commentary

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

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

• Olowe Mowe

• Alakori Alakowe

• Eniyan Nlanla Lo

• Ilorin Lawa

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References

  1. 1 2 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.
  2. 1 2 Na'Allah, Abdul-Rasheed (October 1996). "THE ORIGIN OF EGUNGUN: A CRITICAL LITERARY APPRAISAL" (PDF). African Study Monographs. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  3. 1 2 "Yoruba Oral Tradition in Islamic Nigeria: A History of Dàdàkúàdá". Routledge & CRC Press.
  4. "Odolaye Aremu". 2023.
  5. "Odolaye Aremu Archives". HighlifeNg. 2023-05-04. Retrieved 2023-12-31.
  6. "Nigeria: Arisekola-Alao - Exit of Quintessential Ibadan Man" . Daily Independent . 21 Jun 2014. Archived from the original on 3 Feb 2021.
  7. "Ilaji: Let there be light …". 2023.
  8. 1 2 3 4 Otukoko, Ismail S. "FolkSongsasSourcesofHistory: AnAnalysisofAlhajiOdolayeAremu'sIlorinDadakuadaMusic". Vunajournalofhistoryandinternationalrelations. 7 (1): 1.