The Role of Nigerian University Libraries in Archiving Hausa Royal Songs for Effective Service Delivery to Researchers

Citation: Furfuri, I.M.M. (2024). The Role of Nigerian University Libraries in Archiving Hausa Royal Songs for Effective Service Delivery to Researchers. Four Decades of Hausa Royal Songs: Proceedings from the International Conference on the Life and Songs of Makaɗa Sa'idu Faru, 3(3), 448-453. www.doi.org/10.36349/tjllc.2024.v03i03.062.

The Role of Nigerian University Libraries in Archiving Hausa Royal Songs for Effective Service Delivery to Researchers

By

Ibrahim M. M. Furfuri (Ph.D)

Inuwa Abdul-Kadir Library, Sokoto State University, Sokoto
immfurfuri@yahoo.co.uk,  ibrahim.furfuri@ssu.edu.ng

Abstract

The need for archiving oral literature in any society cannot be overemphasized. However, in Nigeria, archiving practices for oral literature are still low. The aim of this paper, therefore, is to explore the role of university libraries in enhancing archiving practices for Hausa royal songs for effective service delivery to different researchers and other interest groups. Oral literature in the form of royal songs in the Hausa language plays very significant roles towards preserving history, cultural heritage, language development and other traditional values. However, the emergence of Hausa popular literature songs due to advancements in technology appeared to be a deviation from the traditional Hausa oral songs. Hence, the consequences of not archiving the traditional Hausa oral songs could endanger the historical and linguistic preservation of the language as well as its tangible and intangible cultural heritage. The qualitative approach based on content analysis of different sources of information was adopted for this study. The techniques, opportunities and challenges of print and digital archiving of oral songs were discussed. Furthermore, the role of Nigerian university libraries in archiving Hausa royal songs was highlighted. The libraries can be repositioned to enhance archive management of oral literature for effective service delivery to researchers who may desire access to such resources to satisfy research and other information needs. Key strategies that university libraries could implement to ensure long-term preservation and promote accessibility to Hausa royal songs were also proposed. These strategies include training for print and digital archiving of oral literature. In conclusion, the paper provides some insights that will serve as a guide to university libraries and other organizations, on the necessity of selecting, acquiring and archiving Hausa oral songs for research and studies by present and future generations.

Keywords: Hausa Royal Songs, Archiving Oral Songs, Nigerian University Libraries.

Introduction

Hausa traditional oral songs are very important components of African oral kinds of literature. According to Sotunsa (2017, p.2), the indigenous knowledge of African Societies is generally archived in oral kinds of literature in the forms of oral traditions and folklore. Royal songs, therefore, are indeed among the major genres of folklore, which were developed over the years and transmitted from one generation to another. This type of song are embodiment of ancient and culture-bound practices that have existed for hundreds of years in many communities of sub-Saharan Africa (Bichi, 2018, p.4). However, it is worth noting that, the practice of oral songs varies from one society to another in line with its social, historical and cultural heritage. This paper attempts to discuss Hausa oral songs and their significance to society with particular emphasis on their relevance to researchers in academia. The paper also seeks to briefly explore the role of university libraries in Nigeria in enhancing archiving practices for oral songs for achieving effective service delivery to different researchers in Hausa studies and other interest groups. Furthermore, the paper will highlight the unique challenges of archiving the traditional Hausa oral songs for long-term preservation and accessibility by present and future generations. Proper documentation of traditional oral literature is very crucial in ensuring long-term preservation, promoting accessibility, and protecting the knowledge of literary studies for use by present and future generations.

In this paper, a functionalist approach to the study of oral literature has been employed to highlight the significance of oral poetry in society. Chamo (2013, p.3) in his study on Hausa oral songs as a tool for national integration and development, cited different scholars (Bichi, 1992; Daba 2006; Zurmi 1981, and Na-Allah, 2010) who advanced the functionalists theory in their various works. In other words, the tenets of this theory as propounded by Auguste Comte is to interpret the society as a structure that is made up of interrelated elements like customs, traditions and institutions (Surajo, 2019, p.468). Surajo further maintains that functional theory is applied to study the relationship between language, culture, traditions and society. Hence, it is on this basis that the functions Hausa oral songs play in society are of paramount importance. Because of the nature of the topic of discussion, the qualitative approach that was based on content analysis of different sources of information was adopted in writing this paper.

Concept of Hausa Oral Songs

The word ‘oral’ implies something that is related to the use of mouth. But, concerning song, oral implied singing unwritten poetry with or without music. In this regard, oral song refers to unwritten poetry. Chamo (2013, p.5) describes oral song as poetry that is performed live within oral cultures. Thus, the concept of ‘oral song’ is usually used interchangeably with ‘oral poetry’. However, Chamo further noted that Hausa oral songs are also performed with the use of talking drums, or even such songs are accompanied by dances. In other words, oral songs are an integral component of Hausa culture. Generally, oral songs are part of everyday life activities in Hausa society. According to Jangebe (2014, p.21), many singers in Hausa society perform oral songs. These songs include court songs, work songs, praise songs, royal songs, spirit songs, love songs, etc.

From the foregoing, therefore, Hausa oral songs are among the principal genres of oral literature, not only in Nigeria but the African society in general. Scholars like Ojaide (2018, p. xv) assert that, it is the oral traditions that form the basis for modern African literature, and give it (written literature) cultural identity. So concerning the Hausa oral songs, the works of different researchers reveal that no exact time is known concerning their origin. However, Gusau (2003) as cited in Jangebe (2014, p.23), had associated the origin of Hausa oral songs with the time of hunting as a means of livelihood in Hausa communities. But, with civilizations and the gradual development of human societies, the practices of Hausa oral songs were done following activities and ways of life in different Hausa communities. Akporobaro (2012, p.9) maintains that the forms of African oral poetry are many, and varied from one society to another. It is against this backdrop that every society appreciates and encourages the creativity and performance of its traditional oral poets. The Society recognizes that oral poetry is full of pearls of wisdom, traditions and expressions as well as collective memory of cultural heritage that can be transmitted from one generation to another.

Hausa Royal Songs

The Hausa royal song is another form of song for royalties. Royalties here refer to traditional community leaders who have the status of people of royal blood or family. For example, Makada Sa’idu Faru is one of the popular royal singers. Though his biography and works are not within the context of this paper, it suffices to briefly highlight the contributions he made in the field of oral poetry before discussing the significance of Hausa oral songs and the consequences of not archiving them within the domain of Hausa society. Saidu Faru was generally known as a great Hausa oral singer whose oral performance had grown beyond not only his immediate community of former Sokoto Province but also transcends many African countries as well as international communities and organizations. Muhammad and Sani (2024), have succinctly described the royal songs of Sa’idu Faru as performance that encompasses not only entertainment but celebrations of Hausa cultural traditions that were preserved and promoted through the Hausa musical heritage. Though the central theme of his songs focuses on royalties, his performances are full of reflections on various aspects of human endeavours in the Hausa society. Thus, Muhammad and Sani, further explore the themes of Sa’idu Faru’s songs that delved into history and cultural heritage, economy, religion, politics, customs and values, among others.

Fundamentally, the contributions and achievements of Sa’idu Faru to the development of Hausa society are very remarkable in preserving, upholding, promoting, and unifying both tangible and intangible Hausa cultural assets. Indeed, the past, present and future generations within and beyond the Hausa society stand to benefit from the performance of Sa’idu Faru. This, therefore, justifies the imperative or calls for archiving and long-term preservation of his works and similar ones. There is no doubt, that Hausa royal songs play a very significant role in the cultural heritage of Hausa. This collection of creative arts serves as an expression of history, identity and social integration and cohesion. According to Sotunsa (2017, p.7), the indigenous knowledge of Africans is generally used to sustain the local communities, in terms of their cultural identity, and social and development goals.

Based on contemporary developments, globalization issues, and the emergence of modern technologies, new trends and culture have had a greater influence on Hausa oral songs. As such new themes that focus on urban life, romance and hip-hop or afrobeat musical genres had gradually become popular among the Hausa youth audience. This emergence and widespread of Hausa popular songs appeared to be a deviation from Hausa traditional oral songs. This suggests that without archiving and preservation, the historical and linguistic components of the Hausa language and its cultural heritage could be exactly endangered. Apart from the benefits that researchers can derive from these cultural resources, one can also assert that oral poetry is generally regarded as a powerful instrument for influencing change in the lives of people, thereby bringing societal transformations. Given future expectations, Hausa traditional oral songs such as the works of Sa’idu Faru and many others face the challenges of accessibility and long-term preservation. However, the university libraries, particularly those providing support for teaching and research, and offering services for Hausa studies, can play a crucial role in addressing the challenges of access and long-term preservation of the Hausa oral songs.

The Role of University Libraries in Archiving Oral Songs

Generally, university libraries are recognized as the central organ of their parent institutions. Their major traditional functions involve acquisition, organization, dissemination as well as preservation and conservation of information materials. But, presently, the advancement in technologies, the phenomenon of information explosion, and users’ information-seeking behaviours, preferences and expectations from their university libraries, are transforming the traditional functions of the libraries. This informed the need to adopt strategies to support teaching, learning and research as required by faculty members, undergraduate students and researchers. Therefore, in the universities that offer Hausa and linguistic studies, academic and research services in Hausa oral songs are inevitable. Thus, content development, archiving and user engagement for access to resources in Hausa oral traditions are of paramount importance. The term “archives” refers to a collection of archival documents or materials, rather than an institution or place where people can visit to access the archival materials for their research or other needs. Archives are the corporate memory of an institution or a society (National Archives of Nigeria, 2016, p.17). The archives of a university may include its inaugural lectures, speeches, students’ handbooks, academic calendars, examination records, important and relevant newspaper cuttings, reports, photographs, correspondences, data sets, and many other primary source documents that are unique to the institution. Archives are important sources of information for research.

Due to the importance and uniqueness of archives, some universities in Nigeria have established an archives section for the benefit of their faculty members, researchers and external users. From experience, Babcock University Library in Ogun State is a very good example because of its rich archival collections. A study by Ayorinde, Talabi and Okunade (2020, p.81) reveals that in the past, efforts were made to develop archives of music (oral) songs at the Institutes of African Studies in Nigeria, but this has not materialized. The study further indicates that the archives in Nigerian university libraries were developed as collections from projects of research scholars. However, the study suggests the need to have printed format as a reliable method of archiving and preserving oral poetry. Similarly, the University of Ife Press started, but cannot continue its Project of publishing a series of documented oral songs. A study was conducted by Nasidi and Jika (2023, p.12) on digital archiving and establishment of Open Access Digital Repositories in libraries of three first-generation universities in Nigeria. These universities are the University of Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and the University of Nigeria Nsukka. The findings of their study revealed that both print and digital archiving are in existence with huge information resources in their holdings. However, the resources were found not easily accessible due to a lack of proper digitization, inadequate ICT facilities, poor online visibility, and the absence of staff with the required skill sets to manage the repositories. However, their findings did not indicate the absence of an archives management system in the three universities. For instance, a study by Liman and Aliyu (2023, p.86) indicated the existence of archiving staff records at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The findings of their study showed that a combination of methods are in use for the organization and storage of the archives. These methods include alphabetic and numeric codes, subject-based and serial organization, geographic location, and record order utilizing open and closed storage. Hence, modern archiving and preservation practice is still a major challenge in Nigerian university libraries. A study by Ogunbodede and Onah (2024, p.19) on the assessment of modern preservation at Federal University Otuoke Library revealed that the website is the only method of preserving information resources because the Institutional Repository system is still in the planning stage. These researchers noted that digital preservation can help ensure long-term accessibility to archival resources. Hence, through advocacy, institutional policy, seeking financial support and partnerships, university libraries can adopt advanced preservation techniques to enhance access to its information resources including cultural and historical records emanating from the local community. This situation confirmed that in Nigeria, archiving practices for oral literature are still low or in their infancy stage.

Archiving Hausa's oral song in university libraries, particularly in Northern Nigeria has become imperative. It is a known fact that the media organizations such as radio and television houses, have archival collections of Hausa oral songs. However, their efforts need to be complemented in more scholarly and comprehensive ways. That means, Hausa oral songs should be well documented so that present and future generations of researchers and the general public will have the opportunity of accessing the contents of oral songs. By so doing, literary scholars, researchers and other interest groups will continue to access the documented oral literature with less danger or risk of its gradual extinction. Moreover, the documentation of oral poetry as part of the requirements for the award of degrees, usually comes in piecemeal. Over the years, oral songs have experienced great modifications and poor documentation, which eventually led to the extinction of many indigenous cultural heritage and societal values (Jayeola, Akintunde & Francisca, 2019, p.1606). These researchers maintain that poor knowledge and practices of archiving and documentation have impacted negatively on the loss of cultural heritage and values in Nigeria and Africa in general. Hence, a comprehensive approach to the documentation and archiving of Hausa oral songs is not only desirable, but a necessity for long-term preservation and accessibility to both tangible and intangible Hausa culture. In other words, adapting an appropriate system of archiving Hausa oral songs will serve as a memory of what happened in the past for future development. In this case, the series of works by Sa’idu Muhammad Gusau, titled Diwanin Wakokin Baka, Juzu’I na Daya (zuwa Juzu’i Na Bakwai), are worthy of mentioning here.

Strategies for Archiving Oral Songs in University Libraries

The strategies required for proper archiving of Hausa oral songs will involve procedures, techniques and challenges to be addressed. Below are some major highlights of the strategies recommended for archiving Hausa oral songs in university libraries:

i.        Acquisition and transcription of recorded oral songs. The Hausa oral traditional songs are presently available in digital recorded format. What is required in the university libraries is proper planning and readiness for the project. In this regard, developing a library policy to address oral literature issues is fundamental to achieving set goals. Moreover, transcriptions of oral songs require experts in both the Hausa language and linguistics. In addition to transcriptions, translation of the printed works is necessary because other target researchers may only have a better understanding of the new version.

ii.      Digitization is key to promoting easy access to research materials in the digital information environment such as university libraries. A study by Oghu & Igwebuike (2024) revealed that the digitization of cultural heritage information resources in South-East Nigeria was very low, and recommended the urgent need for the digitization of such materials for effective utilization in cultural institutions and related organizations including the university libraries. Therefore, record conversion from print to digital is very necessary for both physical and virtual access to the contents.

iii.   Identification of relevant metadata for cataloguing is also very essential in archiving oral songs. This implied that the name of a song's performer, his geographical origin, the cultural context of a song, etc, should be assigned unique identities for proper description, location, and retrieval in the archives collections.

iv.   Preservation: To ensure the long-term preservation of Hausa traditional oral songs, university libraries must adopt proactive measures for handling technological obsolescence, and physical and human threats, such as mutilation and unauthorized access. Hence, regular enhancement of storage conditions is important.

v.      Consideration for Information Ethics: This means archiving oral songs requires addressing ethical issues in terms of intellectual property rights, consent of a performer based on certain agreements, and other cultural heritage issues that may require community engagement before disseminating the content.  

Conclusion

In this paper, the importance of archiving Hausa traditional oral literature has been discussed. The diversity, richness and significance of Hausa oral songs to the development of society were highlighted. Specifically, the paper draws from the principles of functional theory and discussed briefly, the achievements and contributions of Sa’idu Faru’s royal songs in the Hausa society and beyond. Based on a qualitative approach and the contents analysis of different sources of information, the findings of this study revealed that the archiving of oral poetry in Nigeria is still low. However, to enhance the practices of traditional oral song preservations and archiving, the strategic role of university libraries was highlighted. The university libraries can help ensure long-term preservation and promote accessibility to Hausa traditional cultural heritage for the benefit of faculty members, students, and researchers in particular. Therefore, the paper also discussed the strategies for archiving oral songs in university libraries. Without proper documentation and archiving of the oral songs, the collective memory of performers like Saidu Faru are endangered, and may soon go into extinction.

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