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Historical Significance of Kogoogó́Anthem as a Musical Representation of Unity in the Cathedral Church of Holy Trinity mọfẹ, Southwest Nigeria
Opeyemi Adeyinka Asaolu, Ph.D.
Department of Performing Arts
Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-iwoye
Nigeria
Opeyemi.asaolu@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng
Micheal Adeleke Bakare, Ph.D. Department of Music
MeadowHall College of Education, Lagos State
Nigeris
Abstract
Music has always played a vital role in religious communities’spiritual and communal life, serving as a medium of expression, worship, and unity. In the context of the Anglican Church in Southwest Nigeria, Kogókogó anthem stands out as a powerful symbol of collective identity and cohesion among the diverse congregations. However, there is a lack of scholarly attention on its historical significance, musical representation of unity and how it has been preserved. This study, therefore, explores the historical significance of Kogókogó in fostering unity within the Cathedral Church of Holy Trinity Southwest Nigeria. Using the social cohesion theory, the study employed qualitative methods, including literature review, ethnographic observation, interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis, to explore the multifaceted role of the anthem in preserving Yorùbá musical identity, fostering religious syncretism, and promoting unity within the church. Findings revealed that the anthem is widely regarded as a communal prayer, with its performance fostering a deep sense of solidarity among congregants, promoted intergenerational bonding, and enhancing the spiritual life of the Anglican Church in mọfẹ, Ilesa. As the Anglican Church continues to navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing world, the Kogókogó anthem stands as a beacon of continuity, resilience, and hope that should not go into extinction.
Keywords: Kogókogó, Musical Unity, Yorùbá, Cultural Preservation, Anglican Church.