Sèkèrè: The Story Behind It
Sèkèrè, a traditional musical instrument, holds a significant place in the royal family of the Aláàfin of Old Òyó.
The history of Sèkèrè is both intriguing and culturally rich. There was once a time when Aláàfin was engaged in an Ayò-Olópón game contest.
During this event, the head drummer of the Sèkèrè visited to inform the king of the tragic death of his beloved son.
Utilizing a Sèkèrè made from calabash rattles filled with cowries, they conveyed this sorrowful news through rhythmic shaking.
However, so engrossed was the king in the game’s enjoyment that he began to dance instead of mourning.
Upon being verbally informed, he was unable to cry as the Sèkèrè had already lifted his mood, leading to the cultural dictum, “Sèkèrè k ìí ròde ìbánújé,” which translates to “Sèkèrè is banned from engaging in any sorrowful outing.”
The Oríkì of Sèkèrè:
“Ajé onírè kò kúkú nírè
O lówó bodé
Towó towó ni Sèkèrè sùn
Towó towó ni Sèkèrè jí
Sèkèrè ò sì kí r òde ìbànújé”
Aláàfin Onisile (1742-1750)
Aláàfin Onisile (1742-1750), known for his military disposition and courage, contributed to Òyó heritage by promoting Sèkèrè, where beads were strung around gourds, creating melodies through rhythmic abrasion. Initially, cowries served as the seed material.
In historical times, Sèkèrè was placed in a corner called Kòrò Ajé, symbolizing prosperity, but modern practices see it kept in various rooms. The Aláàfin holds a deep admiration for Sèkèrè, using it as his dance instrument. Interestingly, Sèkèrè predates drum beating in Yoruba musical tradition.
It’s a cultural taboo for members of the Sèkèrè family not to own one, serving both as identification and a necessity for annual festivals where rituals are performed to honor the spirit of Sèkèrè for guidance, protection, and life’s blessings. Only those from the Alu Sèkèrè lineage are permitted to practice.
Sèkèrè plays a crucial role during the king’s installation ceremony and is essential when welcoming important visitors, believed to possess spiritual powers. It accompanies the king during public outings.
The Sèkèrè drummers visit the palace monthly on the 28th day of the traditional Yorùbá calendar, which is always a Friday (Jàkúta Olóyin), and on special royal invitations during emergencies.
The original form of Sèkèrè involved cowries inside a covered calabash, shaken for rhythm, but it evolved to use cotton threads to wind cowries around the calabash for a more refined sound.
Members of the Sèkèrè community are known as Alájé ibodè, or “The prosperous man at the gate,” highlighting the instrument’s association with nobility.
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