LITERARY AESTHETICS AND UTILITARIAN VALUES IN MOSTAR FESTIVAL SONGS

ABSTRACT

The Ngas people of Plateau State are classified among the minority ethnic groups in Nigeria. They are also known for their reputable legendary public figures including General Yakubu Gowon who was a military head of state (1966-1975). However, in academic and artisitic studies not much has been revealed about the people, their aesthetics as well as cultural and traditional values. Being dominated by exisiting majority ethnic groups in Nigeria, the Ngas possess thriving traditions of literary, verbal, and performing arts. This study proposes to investigate the literary aesthetics and utilitarian values to the songs of one of the most prominent festivals celebrated by the Ngas which is the “Mostar” festival (Beer Festival of the Moon). This research adopts theoretical insights and investigative methods in oral literature research and discourse, specifically the functional approach and the folk cultural approach. Samples of songs performed during the festival are identified, classified and analysed to establish the aesthetic and utilitarian value involved. Artistic and literary standards of oral verbal and expressive arts are applied in the assessment of the aesthetic and utilitarian features. The research demonstrates that the Ngas people are gifted composers, choreographers and entertainers. The research further reveals that the arts, in this case song, are valuable keys to the appreciation of sociocultural environment, the belief systems, community values and general outlook about the importance of recreation and entertainment. The research also draws attention to the need to intensify work on documentation, preservation, and promotion for the survival and continuity of culture and tradition of minority ethnic groups. 

            TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cover Page ……………………………………………………………………… i

Title Page …………………………………………………………………………ii

Certification ………………………………………………………………………iii

Dedication …………………………………………………………………………iv

Acknowledgement…………………………………………………………………v

Table of Contents………………………………………………………………….vi

Abstract……………………………………………………………………………ix

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.0   Background to the study…………………………………………………….1

1.1   Aims and Objectives…………………………………………………………8

1.2   Research Questions…………………………………………………………. 9

1.3    Statement of research problem………………………………………………9

1. 4   Definition of key terms; Mostar festival…………………………………..10

1 .5      Scope and Delimitation of study…………………………………………12

1.6    Significance of the study………………………………………………..12

1.7   Theoretical framework…………………………………………………..13

1.8    Methods of Research………………………………………………….. 1

 1.9    Structure of the study………………………………………………… 21

CHAPTER TWO; TRADITIONAL AESTHETICS IN MOSTAR FESTIVAL SONGS

2.1   Introduction ………………………………………………………………24

2.2   The concept of song in Mostar Festival…………………………………..29

2.3   Performance of Mostar songs……………………………………………38

2.4   Visual Performance of Costumes……………………………………….46

2. 5    Dance in Mostar Songs…………………………………………………..47

2. 6  Dramatic Ritual in Mostar festival songs………………………………..48

CHAPTER THREE; UTILITARIAN VALUE OF MOSTAR FESTIVAL SONGS

3.1   Introduction ………………………………………………………….. 52

3.2   Political function of Mostar festival songs………………………………..53

3.3    Entertainment in Mostar festival songs…………………………………..58

3.4    The spiritual value of Mostar festival songs………………………………61

 3.5     Mostar songs as an Identity of the Ngas People…………………………..67

3.6      Ethical Function…………………………………………………………69

CHAPTER FOUR; LITERARY LINGUISTIC ASPECTS IN MOSTAR FESTIVAL SONGS

4.1    Introduction………………………………………………………….73

4.2    Poetic Literary Features in Mostar Songs; Repetition, Apostrophe, irony……73

4.3    The Role of Ngas Language in Mostar Songs………………………………78

4.4    Identity Consciousness of Language in Mostar Songs …………………….80

4.5   Language and Invocation in Mostar Songs……………………………….83

CHAPTER FIVE; SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

.1    Summary and Conclusion ……………………………………………………86

Works Cited……………………………………………………………….. 88

Appendix………………………………………………………………….. 94