Contextual Expositions of Igbo Proverbs in Selected Mike Ejeagha’s Folk Songs

Abstract

This paper explores the use of Igbo proverbs in selected folklorist Mike Ejeagah’s folk songs-Omekagụ (one who behaves like a lion) and Ụwa Mgbede Ka Mma (life of serenity is beautiful). Mike Ejeagha, the folk artist is known for his ingenuity in fusing tales rich in proverbs within his folk songs. This paper argues that the contextual meanings of the exemplary proverbs in the selected songs are derived from the content of the tales in the selected songs. The researcher will do a textual analysis of the proverbs in the songs while asserting that the meanings of the proverbs are embodied in the storyline. In analyzing the meanings of the proverbs in the songs, this research affirms the place of proverbs in the socio cultural environment of the Igbo people of South Eastern Nigeria and it finally shows that Mike Ejeagaha’s folk songs can be an agent of cultural and historical storage of the Igbo culture.