Yoruba Folktales, the New Media and Postmodernism

Abstract

The Yoruba pristine orality in its entirety has been given new directions with the popularity of the postmodernist tenets as shown in the utilitarian use of the new media in literary production, dissemination and consumption. This paper seeks to examine how the postmodernist material and immaterial culture have influenced the literary and cultural values of Yoruba folktales. Data for this study are gathered through field investigations at Omi Adio, Aba Ebu ( Moniya) and Badeku, all in Oyo State, Nigeria. Archival documents on the subject matter are also consulted. It is observed that apart from affecting the physical and cultural landscapes of Africa, postmodernism/new media has also affected the literary landscape of the continent. It is concluded that Africa has not effectively utilized the resources of new media to promote the vitality of folktales. It is recommended that the teaching of Oral Literature should be made compulsory in the curricula of primary and secondary schools in Nigeria.