Ritual music and dances OF YORUBA

Ritual music and dances are also a defining aspect of this religion. Much of the ritual revolves around the belief in the orishas. In some ways, these resemble the angels of our Judeo-Christian-Islamic culture, but they can also be called lesser gods who form a bridge between the human and the divine. Through specific dances and songs, devotees believe they can call upon the orishas to take possession of their bodies, thereby enabling the human to experience the divine. These ritualistic dances and music can also be considered to be a form of prayer.

The Yorubas have identified many orishas, but there are eight who predominate, almost equally divided between male and female deities. A devotee usually identifies predominantly with one of these eight entities, so that all their lives they are considered a “daughter” or “son” of that deity. Each deity has distinguishing characteristics. For example, Oshún is described as the goddess of unconditional love. She is associated with the rivers as a symbol of clarity and flowing motion, but has may manifestations ranging from short-tempered to calm and fluid. She is also the divinity of fertility, and women appeal to her for child-bearing and alleviation of female disorders. Brass, gold, and shining gems are often used in the rituals of her worship.

The Yoruba-speaking people

The Yoruba-speaking people of south-western Nigeria are heirs both to an ancient and cultured civilization, and a tragic history. Yoruba culture is known for its artistic triumphs, great literature, complex existence of gods, and urban lifestyle.

Their numbers and cultural impact were so great that their religion and culture have remained important in modern Brazil and Cuba, and are found today in many the cities in the United States and the UK. This combination of cultural triumph and human tragedy makes the Yoruba experience one of the most fascinating subjects of historical study in Africa.

A Yoruba person is anyone that subscribes to the Yoruba culture traditions and way of life. Anybody that has hereditary links to that Old Yoruba kingdoms. You could live anywhere in the would or identify with any Nationality, but if you have a Yoruba name, practice Yoruba customs or even naturalize by adopting the Yoruba way of Life then you are Yoruba and can contribute to this site. If you have any positive recommendations, we would like to hear from you.