By By Koshoedo Mathew Mausi
In commemoration of the world music day, this article hopes to establish the unquestionable place of music in our society and also to give us a quick reminder of the paramount roles of music in our day-to-day activities.
The crucial role of music in our society cannot be undervalued. Gone are the days when music was only used for games, festivals, ceremonies, celebration and the likes. Music has far gone beyond the measure of entertainment and appraisal of the gods only; it has become one of the major tools for shaping and reawakening emotions.
Music is part of what keeps our day-to-day activities going. Music has shown to be one of the essential key creativities. Music adds to the development of our minds, it makes it more creative and innovative. Every great creation requires art, creativity and imagination. Sometimes, the abilities are provided by music. Music increases our understanding and gives us a clearer picture of what we want to create. It must be clearly mentioned that music now stands as one of the crucial elements for controlling emotions.
One of Frank Ocean’s quotes says “When you are happy, you enjoy the music but when you are sad, you understand the lyrics”. The level at which both young and old are getting depressed daily is so alarming and it has created a big vacuum that nothing is filling it up. Gratefully, music has shown up as a cure to depression. Depression would have sent a lot of young minds to six feet under the ground if not for the therapeutic power of music which is calming individuals’ nerves. A lot of people are being depressed for different reasons. The young guy who is thinking he is not doing enough because he is seeing his friends either on social media or others living fake lives, and of course because he is not there yet he is feeling so down for every reason. And at that point, the surest antidote for his worries and depression is music. Music has stood in gap for a lot of young ladies who are heartbroken due to failed relationships, after being served what is tagged as “Breakfast”. The major thing they fall back to is music so as to ease their minds. Music in our society today has saved many souls from depression because for every emotional downfall, there is music for the soul uplifting.
Music in general is not only pleasing to the ears and minds but also nurturing the souls, lifting it up and bringing it back to shape. It has been long said that music gives one an emotional response. Characters of varying element that are found in music can influence one’s mood.
According to Gilbert G (2009), music can raise someone’s mood, get them excited, or make them calm and relaxed. Music also- and this is important- allows us to feel nearly or possible all emotions that we experience in our lives. The possibilities are endless.
Therapeutically, music has become a cure to many illnesses in the society. Music therapy is an evidence-based treatment that helps with a variety of disorders including cardiac conditions, depression, autism, substance abuse and Alzheimer’s disease. It can help with memory, lower blood pressure, improve coping, reduce stress, and improve self-esteem and more (Cleveland Clinic).
In human existence, music has done us more goods than anyone can imagine. Also, its scope and importance has been underrated as music as gone far beyond just entertainment and has showcased its value in the society.
Happy world music day! Listen to music and get daily healing!
Koshoedo Mathew Mausi writes from the Department of Theatre Arts and Music, Lagos State University. Email: [email protected]
