KOLA NUT DIVINATION IN BATA DRUMMING PERFORMANCES IN OYO, NIGERIA

Abstract

In the cultural landscape of Oyo, Nigeria, Bata music ensembles are revered for their vibrant performances and spiritual significance. While existing scholarship has examined Bata music’s performative elements, the role of Kola nut divination in mediating spiritual guidance remains understudied. Preliminary ethnographic data from suggests that many consider Kola nut rituals indispensable for performance efficacy, underscoring its cultural centrality. Drawing on ritual and performance theory, this qualitative study—combining ethnographic interviews and participant observation— investigates how Bata musicians employ Kola nut to seek divine direction. Findings indicate that Kola nut is perceived as a conduit for spiritual communication, offering musicians guidance, protection and artistic inspiration. This article is a contribution to enrich understanding of Yoruba traditional arts and their enduring sacred dimensions.