The Role and Functions of Music in the Zangbeto Festival of Ajara-Vetho, Badagry

Abstract

African festivals provide opportunities for socialisation and communal gatherings that promote unity and peaceful co-existence among people 
irrespective of cultural bias and interest. The paper focuses on the celebration of the Zangbeto festival, which is one of many cultural expressions and heritage among the Ogu people of Badagry and beyond, in Ajara-Vetho. In this light, this article examines the importance of music in the Zangbeto festival and its relevance to Ajara-Vetho communal life. Apart from being an avenue for celebrating rich cultural heritage, investigations were made into how Zangbeto transcended the physical to become a spiritual product, developed over time to perform religious, economic and social roles. In-depth oral interviews were conducted among randomly selected indigenes and devotees during fieldwork.  Music recordings were collected through the participant's observation method and were transcribed after fieldwork. Findings indicate that traditional festivals in this community have been influenced by acculturation. However, various transcribed song texts and their performances in the community provide evidence that traditional festivals are still religiously observed and are an integral part of Ogu Badagry. Zangbeto festival needs revitalisation and re-positioning for continuity. Preservation and promotion of this rich cultural festival beyond the Badagry community is imperative.