TOWARDS THE REVIVAL OF OUR INDIGENOUS PHILOSOPHICAL MUSIC: Antidote to Moral Depravity
By 'Tunji Ajayi
(A Voice from the Garden of England)
The English playwright and poet William Congreve could not have made a grandiose commentary when he said in his Hymn to Harmony that “music alone with sudden charms can bind the wandering sense, and calm the troubled mind.” Yes. King Saul the powerful ruler in Israel knew better when he became sick and lost his lucid hours. He searched for thrilling musical sound from a skilled musician to cure him of his “delirium tremens” – a disease of the mind. Music can settle dispute, but it can also fan the ember of war and disaster! Lullaby and “adante” can lure a restless mind into fitful sleep, but a jangling percussive groove with rhythmic melody can make the lame wriggle his limbs and dance to stupor. A “somber elegy” can make you cry, while a skilled panegyric can make the most impenitent and callous soul repent and smile! That explains the pervasive influence of good music. It resonates into the inner recess of the heart! But if every genre of music is a medium of communication and expression that aims at eliciting reactions from the audience, then it must send across meaningful messages to get plausible reactions. Just like the legendary Afro beat exponent Fela Anikulapo Kuti sang that “dirty mouth cannot talk clean things”, music with insipid lyrics and obtuse expressions cannot instill morals.
Let us recall that in Edginton v Fitzmaurice (1885) decided case, Lord Justice L.J. Bowen submitted that “the state of a man’s mind is as much a fact as the state of his digestion”. In other words, the state of a man’s mind is as good or as bad as his actions. Thus, a polluted mind acts indiscreetly, just like a pious mind acts thoughtfully. Why does our society suffer this abysmal level of moral depravity and debauchery? What is the content of the music and lyrics we and our youths now listen to? Where is our good music which used to teach us true love, peace and unity amongst ourselves, respect for the elderly, dignity of labour and zero tolerance for laziness and opprobrious conducts? Where is our music which preached respect for our cultural values and norms? Where is our indigenous music devoid of obscenities that preached respect for human dignity?
When a nation is dying, her “omolúàbí” culture is first denigrated. Her cherished traditions are traded for peanuts. Her languages are rebuffed and gradually become effaced. Her music culture is mutilated. Her dignity is submerged in the mire of disaster in pursuance of vanities in inanities. Must our rich indigenous musical culture be choked out of existence by the pervasive scourge of cultural imperialism?
*Please buy the Book> KING SUNNY ADE THE LEGEND: Cultural Values & Philosophies Behind a Genre of African Music via Amazon.
Attestations
“King Sunny Ade the Legend” written by Tunji Ajayi, provides the reader with a comprehensive account of the life and experiences of a musical titan. Epic and sweeping in nature, the work reveals much of Mr. Ade’s unique background and the enormous influences in his life. In addition, the author relates many unknown facts and stories regarding his life and how his music impacted others. Refusing to be stereotyped or pigeon holed, Mr. Ade managed to conquer a variety of musical realms demonstrating his extraordinary talent and superb dedication to his craft.
While thorough and detailed in nature, the submission does not overwhelm the reader with unnecessary information. The work is balanced in terms of displaying numerous aspects of Mr. Ade’s life. Relying upon a myriad of sources, Mr. Ajayi presents a well rounded biography which could resonate strongly with those who share his appreciation for this most talented individual.
Composed primarily in a captivating narrative, the work flows at a brisk tempo, which should maintain the reader’s interest throughout. The author’s admiration for Mr. Ade is apparent from the initial pages of his submission, but it does not preclude him from delivering an even-handed account of his life
Conversational in tone and significant in content, the work could very well be regarded a valuable resource for those seeking to learn more about this major musical talent. Tunji Ajayi’s highly descriptive style of writing combined with a keen sense of detail could further enhance the appeal of this work." (Kristen Burns, Dorrance Publishers, Pittsburgh, USA)
“I learnt quite a bit from my review of KSA The Legend! I really enjoyed his approach in presenting the material and outlook on the subject.. Tunji Ajayi has a nice way with words and his writing has a nice flow to it. The book is nicely put together and filled with information I am sure that people will find fascinating.” (Lisa Colello Conner, Outskirts Press, Colorado, USA)
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*Tunji Ajayi, a creative writer, author, biographer and audiovisual documentary producer sends this piece from England. (WhatsApp 08033203115, 09020007004)
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