ABSTRACT
This
study sets out to investigate the song genre and its continued
relevance to cultural studies in general and literature in particular.
This is the first study that attempts a systematic analysis of Agatu
songs. The thesis analyzes a representative corpus of Agatu oral songs
and demonstrates that these songs are essentially the aspect of Agatu
oral poetry. All the data collected transcribed, translated and analyzed
in this study was done at the location of performances. Functional
approach is applied to this study. Chapter one introduces the subject of
the study; it defines the singers‟ training, career and status,
statement of research problem, aim and objective, justification for
study, scope, methodology and historical background of the Agatu people.
Chapter two defines the conceptual reviews of related topic which
include: songs in general functions of Agatu songs, reviews of previous
studies and theoretical framework. Chapter three discusses the form and
content of Akpanchala songs. It attempts a systematic discussion of this
song-form from formulae to poetic conventions such as ideophones,
metaphor, alliteration, and assonance. Chapter four examines Okpeke
songs under the umbrella of panegyric or praise song. In tracing the
origin, nature, performance and functions, the study shows that Agatu
people evolved such a form as they grappled with the contradiction of
the Agatu environment.

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Chapter five discusses Ayon song which is the satiric variety of
Akpanchala and Okpeke song forms as a traditional artist, highly ranked
because his art is a social function. Chapter six brings together and
summarized the findings of this study. The second part of this study is
made up of 12 songs with each song having its appendix which central
theme is similar, and the annotated transcription and translation of
each song is followed by a prosodic analysis and commentary.