SATIRIC FOLKLORE: POETICS OF ABIGBO MBAISE

Nwachukwu, Maduabuchi D and Chukwu, Nkechinyere
Keywords: Satire, folksong, Poetics, Abigbo, Mbaise
Clifford University International Journal of Development Studies (CLUIJODS) 2023 3(), 129 -140. Published: December 2023

Abstract

Folklore comprises traditional narratives that are handed from one generation to another. Among the Mbaise Igbo of Nigeria evolved Abigbo – a folksong, subgenre to folklore, that satirises any perceived misnomer in the society. Most scholars have examined the ethnomusicology of Abigbo with little attention to the satiric elements embedded in it. Abigbo uses wit and other poetic devices to satirise any misconduct in the society. Through the structural functionalist lens, a textual analysis of Abigbo songs reveals that the satiric elements embedded in Abigbo are purposely rendered to ridicule the foibles and follies of humanity. While Abigbo seeks to expose and ridicule the foibles, its major aim is to reorient the society towards morality and engender in people the need for change, stability and harmony.