A Semiotic Analysis of Orin Ọtẹ: Yorùbá Performance Art in Song-Lashing

Abstract

Fela Kuti pronounced music a weapon, but nowhere in the Nigerian space is the weaponization of music more prominent than in the political space. This study identifies and examines fifteen of such songs—known as Orin Ọ̀tẹ̀—from Nigeria's 2023 election, analysing how they employ metaphors, proverbs, and cultural symbols to critique political figures and mobilize public opinion. Rooted in Yorùbá oral traditions and encapsulated by the proverb "orin níí ṣaájú ọ̀tẹ̀" (songs herald hostilities), these songs represent a unique performance art. Using semiotic frameworks from Peirce and Saussure, alongside ethnographic methods like participant observation and interviews, the research reveals how orin ọ̀tẹ̀ functions as a tool for social accountability, influencing perceptions of political actors. The study showcases the continued relevance of traditional Yorùbá art in modern political discourse, highlighting its role in citizen engagement and democratic processes.