African festivals provide opportunities for socialization and communal gathering that promotes unity and peaceful co-existence among people irrespective of cultural bias and interest. Zangbeto, one out of many cultural expressions and heritage among the Ogu people of Badagry and beyond, its celebration in Ajara-Vetho is the focus of this paper. In light of the foregoing, this article examines the importance of music in Zangbeto festival and its relevance to Ajara-Vetho communal life. Apart from being an avenue for celebrating rich cultural heritage; this study explores how Zangbeto moves beyond physical manifestation to function as a spiritual entity, developed over time to perform religious, economic and social roles. In-depth oral interviews were conducted among randomly selected indigenes and devotees during field work. Music recordings were collected through participant observation method and were transcribed after field work. Findings indicate that traditional festivals in this community have been influenced by acculturation, although, various transcribed song texts and their performances in the community shows that traditional festivals are still religiously observed and are an integral part of Ogu-Badagry. Zangbeto festival needs revitalisation and re-positioning for continuity. Preservation and promotion of this rich cultural festival beyond Badagry community is imperative.
Mathew Mausi Koshoedo (Sun,) studied this question.