Aspects of Folk Songs Explained

1. Occasion

An occasion refers to a specific time or period

They include birth of baby, naming, initiation, work, marriage, funerals, initiations and religious ceremonies, planting, harvesting, weeding etc

Each occasion has its own special song.

2.  Messages

Folk songs play a communicative role. 

The various occasions dictate that the song sung have messages that are appropriate to the ceremony or event.

The messages as communicated through text, dictate the mood of the folk songs. 

Folk songs are appropriate and uphold community values, virtues, customs and norms

3. Instrumentation

It refers to the use of instruments in folk songs 

Instrumentalists are participants who play the instruments to accompany folk songs

Community diversity is also evident through the varied array of musical instruments.

In most community, musical instruments are used to accompany folk songs.

Music instruments can either be melodic or rhythmic.

During the performance of folk songs, music instruments can be played 

4. Participants

Folk songs are performed in groups or as solo. Participants vary in age and gender. 

They include;

1. Soloist- He/ she leads the singers/ dancers in the performance

2. Singers: They respond to the soloist

3. Instrumentalists- They play the musical instruments

The occasions during which folk songs are performed influences the age group and gender of participants e.g. Boys and girls, men and women

African folk songs are largely responsorial in style also referred to as solo choral response 

A soloist can either be male or female. 

A good soloist should be confident and audible.