Charles Aluede

Music As Therapy by the Iyayi Society of Edo State, Nigeria: Evidence of Music Therapy in Edo State, Nigeria Charles Aluede

The healing effect of music on man is very significant. However, not much has been done by African researchers to study music and the ailments it heals, especially among the peoples of Nigeria. This work examines the therapeutic effect of music in Iyayi society of Esan, Edo state of Nigeria. The concept of illness, disease causation, the healing system and the specific songs used in the healing of some ailments are examined and documented. This study is based on the hypothesis that, apart from entertainment; Iyayi music is also used for healing among the people. The findings revealed that music in Iyayi society is used as medicine and as accompaniment to healing rites. When music is used as medicine, it is put in use to treat ailments caused by pains, bereavements, grief and guilt feeling. Similarly, when music is used as accompaniment to healing rites, it implies that music is added to other rituals in psychologically derived ailments like barrenness, spirit possession and deliberate act of deviance. It is contended that this work will be of much benefit to sociologists, cultural and medical anthropologists, ethnologists, ethnomedical practitioners and music therapists.