A Study and Critical Analysis of Orin Idaraya Choruses in the Yoruba Baptist Hymnal (2000) of the Nigerian Baptist Convention

Abstract

The purpose of the dissertation is to identify and critically analyze the ninety indigenous choruses titled Orin Idaraya in the Yoruba Baptist hymn book of the Nigerian Baptist Convention published in the year 2000. The study examines the choruses for their biblical, theological, and cultural meaning to ascertain their messages, evaluate their claims, and liturgical appropriateness. Before the advent of chorus songs, the song repertory used among Yoruba Baptist churches was characterized by congregational hymn singing and choral music. The inclusion of ninety indigenous choruses in the hymnal was a response to the craving of Yoruba worshipers for songs that would allow them to express their Christian faith in culturally appropriate ways. A comprehensive analysis of the lyrics of the Yoruba choruses in the hymnal is, therefore, essential to providing the church’s leaders with a clear biblical perspective on the doctrines and cultural elements inherent in these songs before the songs are promoted for the use of the congregations.Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the study. In this section, the significance of congregational church hymn singing to the Yoruba Baptist churches of the Nigerian Baptist Convention was explored. Chapter 2 presents a brief discussion of the Yoruba people, their traditional culture, language, and religion. Chapter 3 provides an overview of the history of the Nigerian Baptist churches from British colonialism through the present. In the chapter, the rise of Yoruba hymnody in the church and the use of indigenous Yoruba indigenous Christian songs in worship were examined. Chapter 4 explores the history and organization of YBH 2000. In the chapter, a brief explanation of why the songs are referred to as Orin Idaraya was offered. Chapter 5 contains a critical analysis of the ninety choruses in the Orin Idaraya section. The analysis includes the identification of traditional and cultural elements employed in the song. The chapter concludes with a suggestion of possible liturgical usage of each of the songs. Chapter 6 presents a summary and interpretation of the analysis of the ninety Yoruba choruses, draws conclusions, and makes recommendations towards future editions of the Yoruba Baptist hymn book.