A Thematic Study of the Lullaby amongst the Ịjọ of Nigeria

Since Brakeley's definition of the lullaby in the middle of the 20th century, scholars have studied the lullaby to see whether Brakeley's view of it applies universally. That has contributed to a commendable body of literature on lullaby. However, scholars in the disciplines of folklore, oral literature, culture and anthropology have not given attention to the lullaby amongst the Ịjo of the Niger Delta area of Nigeria. Therefore, this paper explores the world of the lullaby in Ịjọland to see how it compares with the phenomenon in other places as well as the apparent themes expressed in it. The paper points out that the Ịjọ have a thriving lullabic culture due to the industriousness of Ịjọ women. It argues that the lullaby in Ịjọland is used chiefly to play with a baby. The paper, in addition, asserts that the lullaby is both functional and non-functional. It concludes by pointing out that goading, protest, hope and fear are some of the apparent themes expressed in the lullaby. The data for the research were collected through unstructured interviews and non-participant observations in Ogboin, Kokokuma, Gbarain and Biseni clans and the performances were audio-recorded using a tablet and a cell phone, without using the visual aspects.