Narrating Beauty through Indigenous Storytelling: Decolonising Aesthetic Values in African Oral Traditions

Stanley Ohenhen; Princewill Abakporo; Martina Ohenhen; Fidelis Egbe; Ooreofe-kristi Faniyi

Authors

Stanley Ohenhen Bowen University, Iwo
Princewill Abakporo 0000-0003-1033-8200 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1033-8200
Martina Ohenhen Lead City University
Fidelis Enang Egbe Bowen University
Ooreofe-Kristi Bowen University

Keywords:

Indigenous Storytelling, Beauty, African Oral Tradition, Aesthetic Values, Decolonising Aesthetic Values

Abstract

Neglected by colonial constructs, African oral tradition is a rich storehouse of cultures. This paper examines how indigenous narrative reconfigures aesthetic value by foregrounding African oral traditions marginalized by colonial constructs. Drawing on Nigeria’s Yoruba oríkì, Kenya’s Gikuyu folktales, and South Africa’s Zulu praise poetry, it demonstrates how these genres characterize beauty outside Eurocentric parameters. Employing postcolonial theory, textual analysis, and ethnographic interviews, this research argues that such accounts contribute both to decolonisation and to global aesthetic debate.

Author Biographies

Princewill Abakporo, 0000-0003-1033-8200

Princewill Chukwuma Abakporo teaches in the Theatre Arts Program at Bowen University in Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria. He is a member of the Guild of Nigerian Dance Practitioners (GONDP), the Society of Nigerian Theatre Artists (SONTA), and a research associate with Theatre Emissary International (TEMI). In addition, he is the artistic director of African Pot Theatre in Owerri, Imo State, and the director of research and strategic collaborations for Bowen University's Theatre Arts Program. His study uses autochthonous epistemologies, mainly through Indigenous performative arts, to examine decoloniality, environmental sustainability, and Africa's Indigenous performative cultures and aesthetics. A variety of funded and self-financed performances, including the Oyi Dance (social reflections), This is Nigeria (a comment on Nigerian politics), and Ara Wa Ninu Jigi (a cultural piece), are examples of the works Princewill has produced and performed that reflect this passion. He has a BA in Theatre Arts, MA in African Drama and Theatre, and a PhD in African Dance and Choreography. Princewill can be reached via Theatre Arts Programme, Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria, princewill.abakporo@bowen.edu.ng ORCID: 0000-0003-1033-8200
Martina Ohenhen, Lead City University

Martina Abiodun Ohenhen is an educator and counsellor with over 20 years of experience. She holds a B.Ed. and M.Ed. in Guidance and Counseling and is a doctoral candidate at Lead City University, Ibadan. While her research interest is in youth development, language revitalisation, environmental humanities, child psychology, and family counselling, Martina’s focus on fostering inclusive learning environments aligns with sustainable development goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education). Martina can be reached via Guidance and Counselling Department, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria, martinaohenhen@gmail.com, ORCID: 0000-0002-5735-1800
Fidelis Enang Egbe, Bowen University

Fidelis Enang Egbe is an Assistant Professor of History and International Studies, Bowen University, Iwo. He is the current Vice President (Southwest) of the Historical Society of Nigeria, a member of the Council of the Historical Society of Nigeria, Ag. Head of Programme, History and International Studies, Bowen University. He is a consultant on curriculum and historical studies. Fidelis can be reached via History and Diplomatic Studies Programme, Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria, fidelis.egbe@bowen.edu.ng ORCID: 0000-0002-2375-7968
Ooreofe-Kristi , Bowen University

Ooreofe-Kristi Toluwalope Faniyi is a faculty in the Music Programme at Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria, with a B.A. in Music (First Class, 2016) and an M.A. in Music (2022) from Obafemi Awolowo University, where she is completing her Ph.D. Her research focuses on African and Western music, exploring the aesthetics of African and Western music, the performing arts, Yoruba lineage panegyrics, socio-political roles of gospel music, and decolonization of African cultural narratives. She has published in Scopus-indexed journals, including Journal of Infrastructure, Policy and Development, addressing cultural institutions and decolonial frameworks. Since 2018, Faniyi has advanced from Teaching Assistant to Assistant Lecturer, teaching courses on African music, Western music history, and performance ensembles, while serving as university choir coordinator. A member of the Association of Nigerian Musicologists and Society of Music Educators of Nigeria, she contributes to curriculum development and student mentorship. Awarded the 2016 Bowen University Vice-Chancellor’s Prize, Faniyi’s scholarship bridges African and Western musical aesthetics, enhancing cultural heritage preservation and sustainable development. Ooreofe-Kristi can be reached via Music Programme, Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria, ooreofe-kristi.faniyi@bowen.edu.ng ORCID: 0000-0002-2375-7968

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Narrating Beauty through Indigenous Storytelling

Decolonising Aesthetic Values in African Oral Traditions

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