Adekunbee’s ‘Marikotikoko’ captures the premium placed on children in Yoruba culture

Whether it be through breezy tunes that convey the ease of countryside life, biting commentary that reminds listeners of the country’s sociopolitical reality, or tributes to cultural roots, folk music reminds us of our ties to cultural history.

Singer, vocalist, and chanter Adekunbee has found artistic identity in folk music. An artist vastly skilled in the usage of rich Yoruba praise singing, she brings this expertise to her latest single, ‘Marikotikoko’, on which she celebrates the joy of parenthood, the cheer children bring to the community, and the universal wonder they hold. Using praise singing and a mixture of Yoruba and English, she delivers a rhythm that is reminiscent of African mothers singing to children under the bright night sky.

What makes ‘Marikotikoko’ a fine song is its soothing melodies, which hold the joy and playfulness that soundtracks childhood wonder. The simplicity in the structure and the paced gan gan drums combine smoothly with rich Yoruba praise singing to create a song that captures the premium placed on children in Yoruba culture.

‘Marikotikoko,’ utility lies in bedtime stories, naming ceremonies, birthday parties, and other social functions where children are celebrated.

At nearly 15 seconds short of 2 minutes, the song is just the right length for both kids and adults to commit it to memory, even if it doesn’t quite serve as a robust display of Adekunbee’s talent. Listeners can find more evidence of her vocal dexterity in the single ‘Agbanilagbatan,’ where she leans into gospel music while retaining core folk influences.

Growing up with her Grandmother afforded Adekunbee the opportunity to be raised with a rich appreciation for Yoruba culture that manifests in her love for Yoruba oral tradition. Whether she’s singing, chanting, or rolling out colourful Orikis (Praise singing), she does it with a confident embrace of her heritage. Her music also draws from rich academic training as she holds a BA in Music from Lagos State University and a Master's of Music & Performing Arts degree from the University of West London.

Although Adekunbee’s lean catalogue might not tell the full story of her talent yet, it’s convincing evidence that, should she continue down this path, she is positioned to be a prominent voice in Yoruba folk music.