Role of Female Palace Musicians in Preserving Yoruba Cultural Heritage

Abstract

In this contemporary age of feminist movement and campaign for gender equality, the role of female musicians in the preservation of Yoruba cultural heritage requires extensive visibility. For generations, these women have worked tirelessly from behind the scenes, and now it is necessary to document their input to the sustainability of cultural practices. Through participant observation and interviews, the study reveals how women use their innate creative expressions to redefine traditional gender roles and solidify their place in a male-dominated cultural setting. The study explores the role of female musicians in the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo and emphasizes that their performance is key to preserving intangible cultural heritage through repertoire continuity, mentorship, and the strengthening of palace and community musical systems. Through decades of vocal rendition and instrumental prowess, these female musicians solidify historical narratives and give meaning to palace rituals. The study concludes that gender roles in palace activities, though distinctly defined, present a unique perspective through which stakeholders can view cultural sustainability.