THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING OF PEOPLE AND MUSIC: A PRAGMATIC ANALYSIS OF SELECTED YORUBA MUSIC

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between psychological well-being and music through a pragmatic analysis of selected Yoruba songs. Grounded in Jacob Mey’s (2001) Pragmatic Acts theory, the research explores how music operates as a communicative act that consoles, advises, motivates, and regulates social behaviour within specific cultural contexts. Using purposive sampling, songs from Beautiful Nubia (Seven Lives, 1997; Kurunmi, 2017), Ebenezer Obey (Aimasiko, 1987; The Man, the Horse and the Son, 2006), and King Sunny Adé (The Good Shepherd, 1989; Authority, 1990) were analysed for their pragmatic functions and psychological implications. Findings reveal that Yoruba music serves as a psycho-therapeutic discourse that addresses anxiety, grief, uncertainty, and social pressure, while simultaneously fostering resilience, patience, hope, and spiritual reassurance. The analysis highlights how metaphor, presupposition, reference, and speech acts embedded in the lyrics function as tools for stress relief, moral guidance, identity reinforcement, and communal healing. For instance, Beautiful Nubia employs metaphor and cultural reference to instill hope and resilience, Obey uses proverbial wisdom to emphasize patience and authenticity, while Sunny Adé integrates spiritual imagery to provide comfort and faith-based assurance. Together, these artists demonstrate the enduring role of Yoruba music as a cultural medium that bridges entertainment, therapy, and social regulation. The study concludes that Yoruba music is not only an artistic expression but also a pragmatic instrument that contributes significantly to emotional balance, mental health, and collective well-being. These findings underscore the importance of indigenous music as a vital resource for psychological wellness in contemporary society.