The roles of music in preserving our culture and tradition.

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Hello everyone and happy new month!

Today,I will be talking about the different roles of music in preserving our culture and tradition.

Music plays a very important role in preserving our culture and tradition. It is actually more than just entertainment — it is a way of life, a tool for storytelling, and a medium through which we pass down values, history, and identity from one generation to another.

One of the biggest ways music helps preserve culture is through language. A lot of indigenous languages are gradually fading away because people are no longer speaking them as much as they used to. However, music keeps these languages alive in a fun and enjoyable way. For example, if you’re not Nigerian but you listen to artistes like Wasiu Ayinde or even modern artistes like Asake or seyi vibez, you’ll definitely hear a lot of Yoruba words and expressions in their songs. Even without intentionally trying to learn the language, you’ll pick up a few words here and there, and more importantly, you’ll get a glimpse into Yoruba culture — the proverbs, the way people communicate, and even values that are held in high regard. In this way, music acts like a bridge that connects people from different backgrounds to the cultural world of the artistes.

Apart from preserving our languages, music also helps to keep our traditional practices and stories alive. A lot of traditional songs are actually like history books — they tell stories of important events, legendary heroes, and the customs that our ancestors followed. So basically these songs are been passed down from older generations to younger ones, and through them, people learn about their roots without even realizing it.

In some cases, there are songs that are only performed during certain ceremonies, like during the coronation of a king, or special festivals. These songs carry deep meaning and are tied to the culture itself. Even if some people don’t know the full story behind these songs, just hearing them and taking part in the singing or dancing helps them connect to the culture in a natural way. The music itself becomes part of the tradition, keeping it alive and making sure the younger generation doesn’t lose touch with where they come from.

Also, music plays a very important role in traditional festivals and cultural outings. In Nigeria, for example, festivals like the Eyo Festival in Lagos or the Osun-Osogbo Festival in Osun State are incomplete without music. It is the music that sets the mood, announces the arrival of important guests, and even helps the masquerades or cultural dancers keep to the rhythm during performances. Without music, these festivals would feel dull and lifeless. Music is actually what makes everything more lively and engaging, helping people relax, dance, and enjoy themselves while still respecting the cultural significance of the occasion.

In short, music is one of the strongest tools we have to preserve our culture, pass it to the next generation, and even introduce it to people from other parts of the world.

I powered up 10hp today to celebrate the hive power up day and that brings my total hive power to 1,426hp. I know this isn't enough but then I know I am making progress and I hope to power up more the next month and even on different days that are not just power up days.

Thanks for reading.

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