Journal of African Studies and Sustainable Development

The objective of this paper is to examine the concept and structure of “Kogokogo Anthem” which is known today as Omofe Anthem. This is an anthem that was composed by Mr. (later Venerable) Alex Alison Peters who was the organist of the Church between1938 and 1950. The purpose is to exhume the functional and purposeful inherent values in the anthem that is been examined. The paper in its data collection employs a multidisciplinary approach and this involves discography and oral interviews while, literary, critical and other methods were employed in the interpretation of the data. The results showed that “Kogokogo Anthem” in addition to its musical values possesses encouraging, motivational, patriotic and functional qualities. The composer put to use his talents in the way he used the deep dialectical language of the Ijesa in the writing of this beautiful anthem which the congregation atOmofe have come to see as an identity of theirs. The paper concludes that for worship in Africa to be enhanced, the meaning of worship in all ramifications and in all facets must be communicated to the Africans in the appropriate language they would understand, and also appreciate and call their own. The paper thereforerecommendsthat the church should continue to play a noble and pivotal role in Africa by seeking to introduce Africa elements into form and liturgy of African Christian worship.

Open Full Text (PDF)