Performance of Morality in Islamic Song: A study of Abdulazeez Abiodun (Saoty Arewa)'s Kini Akoko
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Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elegbakna: Journal of Theatre and Film Studies, Department of Theatre and Film Studies, Rivers State University.
Abstract
Islamic music and musicians have been the subject of serious criticism by Islamic scholars with subtle and strong condemnation of the art for lack of morality. However, this study explores the significant role of Islamic songs in moral teaching. It addresses the physical and spiritual needs of Muslim Ummah particularly in upholding discipline, morality, and ethics in a religious-cultural society. Kini Akoko by Alhaji Saoty Arewa is examined through content analysis and descriptive methods with the adoption of Adedeji's Transformative Music Theory (2006) as the Theoretical Framework. It is among other findings that Islamic songs perform reformative and educative roles as portrayed in Kini Akoko, which places a premium on chastity among young girls and the destructive effects of fornication in society. It is revealed that negligence has contributed to moral decadence in society. The study concludes that Islamic songs have moral functions in society not only for the Muslims but for building general family ethics and values within the Yoruba-African society. As a universal language and uniting force to all classes of people, the importance of music in promoting moral values and social change should (rather than condemning) be recognised and celebrated through awards, festivals, and other events especially when it is designed with cultural sensibility or affiliations like Kini Akoko, Islamic songs as a transformative tool for promoting moral values and combating moral decadence should be explored rather than condemning the art, particularly in modern society.
Keywords: Morals, Marriage, Islam, Sex and Music.