Abstract:
This study sets out to investigate the use of aesthetic elements in dipo songs that contribute to
their social importance. Dipo songs serve as a means of social control; as a means of action
directed towards the solution of problems that have plagued society in recent times by exposing
the weakness, minor follies and major vices. Thus satire which is a major aesthetic element of
dipo songs acts as a means of surgery to correct the follies. In a bid to achieve this, the researcher
used questionnaires (unstructured and unrestricted), participant observation and face to face
interviews to collect data for analysis. These sessions were recorded and translated and
interpreted for analysis. The population was taken from major towns in Manya Krobo. In all,
about 70 songs were presented for analysis in the study. The research has proved that dipo songs
educate; spell out the dos and don’ts of life. For this reason, one major aesthetic element which
has been extensively discussed is satire and humour in dipo songs. Over the years, these songs
have helped to produce a conscientious and productive people since any deviation from the
normal way of life is held up for ridicule. The study therefore recommends that the study of
African music be give a priority in the country’s universities and colleges of education. The
researcher also calls on the Konor and people of Manya Krobo to redirect their attention to dipo
songs because they have the ability to address the vices they have to contend with in recent
times.
Description:
A THESIS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH EDUCATION,
FACULTY OF LANGUAGES, SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF
GRADUATE STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, WINNEBA,
INPARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE
AWARD OF THE MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY DEGREE IN ENGLISH
EDUCATION
2014