EMPOWERED WOMEN IN A PATRIARCHAL SOCIETY: A FEMINIST ANALYSIS OF OGUNDES' SONGS, 'MAMA EKO' AND 'TÈMI A DARA'

This study focuses on the display of power by women in a patriarchal society. It argues that in patriarchal societies, women’s agency in some cultural activities is often sidelined. Although Hubert Ogunde’s songs Mama Eko (1970) and Tèmi a Dara (1972) focus on the anti-social behavioral patterns of city women, in a satirical mode, this study aims at foregrounding female resilience and power within Yoruba cultural contexts. This study addresses the gap in feminist analyses of Nigerian music, particularly the underexplored gendered dimensions of Ogunde’s discography, which reframes women’s activities in post-colonial patriarchal settings. It examines how these songs subvert traditional gender hierarchies through lyrical and performative strategies. The methodology adopts a qualitative approach, using primary data from the lyrics and recordings of Mama Eko and Tèmi a Dara, sourced from archival materials. Secondary data were gathered from relevant books, journal articles, and credible internet sources on Nigerian music and feminist discourse. The data are transcribed and analyzed within the theoretical framework of the bell hooks’ feminist theory (1984), which emphasizes intersectionality and resistance, providing a robust lens to interpret the gender dynamics in Ogunde’s songs. The findings indicate that Ogunde’s female characters employ strategic agency, womanist rigor and cultural subversion to challenge patriarchal norms, positioning women as agents of social change. The songs transcend mere entertainment, redefining women’s identities beyond traditional roles. This study contributes to knowledge by enriching feminist scholarship on African music, particularly Yoruba oral traditions, and highlighting Ogunde’s role in advocating gender equity. It offers insights into the intersection of music, gender, and cultural identity, providing a foundation for further research on feminist representations in African musical heritage