Oriki

Characteristics

Praising gods and mortals has traditionally been the focus for singers and the most engaging for audiences, whether the tone is persuasive or controversial. Nigerian politicians often hire well-known singers to elaborate on their heritage. Today, Nigerian Christians and Muslims use oriki to praise sing for the Abrahamic god. They may pray for salvation if they hear the praise of indigenous Yorùbá gods such as Ògún because many of them believe that traditional Yorùbá deities are demonic. Nigerian-American author Luvvie Ajayi wrote in her book that she has written long form orikis for several notable people that she admires. Ajayi urged that people should have an oriki regardless of skill or notability, with self-love being seen as beneficial to having an oriki.