Sokoro Sakara: A Contextual and Gender Analysis of Some Offensive Yoruba Proverbial Songs (1) (Critical Essay‪)‬

Abstract This paper examines the use of offensive Yoruba proverbial songs and how these songs reflect on gender construct as expressed in Olatubosun Oladapo's latest ewi (chanted poetry) album titled Sokoro which is an example of dialogic offensive proverbial songs. The study of Oladapo's musical ewi rendition shows that classification of Yoruba proverbial songs (orin owe), and by extension Yoruba proverbs in general, by sexes is possible. Relevant songs were selectively picked from Oladapo's album for analysis and interpretation. The analysis in this paper shows that contextual applications of these songs have some cultural implications which are found unique to Yoruba traditional experience. The paper further reveals that contrary to the general belief that women are more adept in using abusive songs, men could also be prolific in matching women's ingenuity on the direct use of abusive proverbial songs.