The Dagomba Praise (Singers, Singing And Naming): Roles And Cultural Significance
This study examined the roles and cultural significance of Dagomba praise singers, praise singing, and praise naming in Northern Ghana. Central to the socio-cultural fabric of Dagomba society, these oral traditions preserve cultural identity, perpetuate historical narratives, and promote communal va...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Noyam Journals
2025-07-01
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| Series: | E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://noyam.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/EHASS2025681.pdf |
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| Summary: | This study examined the roles and cultural significance of Dagomba praise singers, praise singing, and praise naming in Northern Ghana. Central to the socio-cultural fabric of Dagomba society, these oral traditions preserve cultural identity, perpetuate historical narratives, and promote communal values. Guided by performance theory, the research investigated the nature of praise singing among the Dagomba people and the role of the praise singer within their cultural context. The study adopted a qualitative approach, utilizing purposive sampling methods to select bards, chiefs, and community members connected to royalty, who are primary targets of praise singing, and field notes, enabling a comprehensive understanding of these traditions. Findings revealed that Dagomba praise singing is deeply rooted in the community’s oral heritage, serving as a medium for the praise singer’s role as a reservoir of history, honoring achievements, and reinforcing social cohesion. The praise singer emerged as a cultural custodian, mediator, and performer, whose roles extend beyond entertainment to include preserving heritage and adapting traditional practices to contemporary contexts. The interplay between singing, naming, and the roles of praise singers underscored their collective contribution to the enduring relevance of Dagomba traditions. This study highlights the intricate connection between oral traditions and cultural identity and sheds light on their significance in preserving the Dagomba heritage amidst evolving societal dynamics. |
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| ISSN: | 2720-7722 |