Exploring songs' utilization in Nollywood productions through a study of Yorub̀a ́ cultural songs in Femi Lasode's film – S̩ÀNGO.

Abstract

The study focuses on musical genre, examining the roles of selected cultural music soundtrack in Femi Lasode's film – Ṣàngó. This paper investigates the contributions of the functional use of songs for soundtracks as a tool to enhance the aesthetics of Nollywood film productions. Songs being musical phrases uttered, typically forming a recognisable and repeated sequence, is a language used in conveying messages, particularly the Yoruba cultural songs inherent in the selected film through which musical values are generated. It is a historical film revolving around the legendary king, and it reflects the Yoruba cultural philosophies concerning traditional science and metaphysical power. It also entails the political shenanigan and war problems that ravaged Yoruba land in the 15th century. Adopting Critical Theory and Cultural Studies theory, the article uses qualitative research modalities, verbal content analysis and direct observation methods to examine the issue. Findings revealed that the lyrics of the selected songs for soundtracks in Ṣàngó were full of messages with connotative meanings on the interconnected and narrativized relationship of texted songs (songs with words) and the moving images in the film.