An Exploration of Continuity and Change of Yoruba Oral Performance Strategies in the Poetry of Akeem Lasisi
Keywords:
Yoruba Tradition, Performance Poetics, OralityAbstract
Two poems by Akeen Lasisi are examined in this study, Àsàbí Alákàrà’ and “Ekun Ìyàwó”. Akeem Lasisi’s poetry performance is orchestrated directly on stage through the deployment of a rich blend of actors, singers, dancers, and drummers. Lasisi also adds the comic trope of satiric banter. The comedic embellishment is used by Lasisi to revolutionize the Yoruba oral performance in English. By adopting video, Lasisi progresses from “written orality” into contemporary “digital orality”. In conclusion, Akeem Lasisi presents unwritten performed poetry, conceived as “performance actual”, using digital platforms. Through these, he injects unique enactive styles that transform the Yoruba oral performance poetic tradition and also ensure its continuity.
References
Lasisi, A. (2009). Ori agbe: Laye Olugbon (Poetry is, poetry is not). Somolu, Lagos: Full Point Publications and Communications.
Lasisi, A. (2011). Wonderland (Eleleture): Àsàbí alákàrà (Heroine). Oregun, Lagos: Full Point Publications and Communications.
Lasisi, A. (2013). Ekún ìyàwó (The bride’s poetry). Somolu, Lagos: Full Point Publications and Communications.
Lasisi, A. (2018). Ọnarébù (Price) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com
Lasisi, A. (2018). Phenomenal Lagos: Three wise. Lagos: Full Point Publications and Communications.
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Osundare, N. (1974). Yoruba proverbs – A study in the problems of translation (Master’s dissertation). The School of English, University of Leeds.
Osundare, N. (1983). Songs of the marketplace. Ibadan: New Horn Press.
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