Exploring the Role of Women in Court Music Traditions of the Olubadan and Alaafin of Oyo’s Palaces

Abstract

This study explores the role of women in the court music traditions of two prominent Yoruba royal institutions: the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadan and that of the Alaafin of Oyo. It examines the historical development, performance practices, and sociocultural significance of female engagement in these traditional musical settings. Drawing on oral interviews, participant observation, and existing literature, the research reveals that women have long played vital roles as praise singers, drummers, dancers, ritual performers, and cultural transmitters within these courts. Their musical contributions not only enhance the aesthetic and ceremonial functions of court life but also reinforce royal identity, preserve oral history, and facilitate the transmission of indigenous knowledge across generations. The study further highlights how women's participation in court music serves as a platform for gender expression, social mobility, and cultural resilience. In conclusion, by foregrounding the experiences and contributions of female court musicians, the research underscores their indispensable role in sustaining and evolving Yoruba royal musical heritage in contemporary times.

Keywords: Women, Court, Music, Olubadan, Alaafin.