Thematic Analysis of an Afan Oromo Song Entitled “Fayaa Moo”

Abstract

The main purpose of a song is to communicate certain messages, tell a story, illustrate drama, express great power and religion, and preserve cultural traditions.  Hence, songs are written for different purposes and in different situations. Songs can express numerous realities of the society such as culture, politics, social, economic, religious etc. Hence, it is said that societies across the globe compose their own songs in various situation and for different purposes. This fact is also common among the peoples of Ethiopia. Ethiopia is the home of numerous peoples who belong to different ethnic groups and speak various languages. Amharic and Afan Oromo are two major languages spoken which are spoken in Ethiopia. Various songs have been written, composed and produced in these two languages. The songs could contain different themes and may have different shortcomings. Hence, this study is intended to: Assess general themes communicated by the song, The short comings observed and areas that needs consideration and Implications of the song for the use of language.  To do so, the song entitled ”Fayaa Moo”  was selected from the 13^th track in the Jahlude’s album “Yachin Neger”. Like other songs in the album,’’Fayaa Moo” is arranged in Reggae style. Regarding the lyrics, the poem of the song is written in both Afan Oromo and Amharic. Before directly began analyzing the song, it is necessary to see its lyric. Thus, the lyric of the song is taken from the original cover of CD.  For the purpose of analysis, the stanza of the song is coded. Finally, the song is generally analyzed considering its overall content, message, language use and   strong and weak sides.

Keywords: Fayya Moo, Afan Oromo, Song, Lyrics,Jahluude