Yoruba traditional and contemporary oral poetry, known as Ewì, is a profound verbal art form rooted in historical chanting, praise, and social commentary. It evolved from ancient oral expressions (Ewì alohun) into a dynamic blend of oral performance and written literature that preserves history, praises lineages, and critiques society.

How Ewì and Traditional Chanting StartedCommunal Origins: Ewì began as spontaneous, spoken-word reactions to life events, seasonal changes, and spiritual devotions within ancient Yoruba settlements.The Spoken Word: It relied entirely on memory, rhythm, and vocal inflection passed down across generations before transitioning into written and broadcast media.Pioneers: Modern recorded Ewì was shaped heavily by early literary and broadcast icons like Sobọ Arobiodu and Adébáyọ́ Fálétí, who popularized poetry on regional radio and television.

Types of Traditional Yoruba Chants and PoetryOríkì: Lineage, personal, or deity praise poetry that traces ancestral pedigree and historical achievements.

Ìjálá: Chants specific to hunters, dedicated heavily to Ògún, the god of iron and the chase.

Ẹ̀sà Ẹ́gúngún: Chant styles performed during ancestral masquerade festivals.

Rárá: Rhythmic, wailing chants often performed by women at social events or naming ceremonies.

Èkún Ìyàwó: Emotional bridal lamentations sung as a bride leaves her family home.

Functions of Ewì Chanters in SocietyCultural Custodians: Chanters maintain historical memory, reciting deep pedigrees and clan origins that connect modern individuals to their ancestors.

Moral and Social Policing: Chanters use satire and praise to check political power, correct societal ills, and promote community standards.

Ritual and Rites of Passage: They invoke spiritual protection, bless newborns, and validate coronations and burials.

Legends in Ewì ChantingBaba Ajobiewe (Alhaji Sulaimon Ayilara Aremu): A legendary oral poet and cultural icon from Ila Orangun, famous for his deep historical repertoire on classic programs like Feyikogbon.

Lanrewaju Adepoju: A famous modern activist-poet who used hard-hitting, broadcasted Ewì to critique socio-political corruption in Nigeria.

Sobọ Arobiodu: The premier early-20th-century innovator who transcribed and recorded foundational Ibadan-area oral verses.