Yoruba Oral Tradition in Islamic Nigeria: A History of Dadakuada

This book traces Dadakuada’s history and artistic vision and discusses its vibrancy as the most popular traditional Yoruba oral art form in Islamic Africa.

Foregrounding the role of Dadakuada in Ilorin, and of Ilorin in Dadakuada the book covers the history, cultural identity, performance techniques, language, social life and relationship with Islam of the oral genre. The author examines Dadakuada’s relationship with Islam and discusses how the Dadakuada singers, through their songs and performances, are able to accommodate Islam in ways that have ensured their continued survival as a traditional African genre in a predominantly Muslim community.

This book will be of interest to scholars of traditional African culture, African art history, performance studies and Islam in Africa.