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ABSTRACT
Music has always played an important role in the culture of Africans. It is incorporated into their lifestyle, behavior, language, and it can be used to perform key functions in different ethnic communities. When it comes to cultural heritage, traditional music holds sway among African societies, and these can be categorized into different levels of traditional songs. Moonlight songs fall within the range of traditional music, these songs possess specific functions and value within the contexts in which they appear. In this study, the sociolinguistic components and importance of specific moonlight songs have been analyzed, with the Urhobo society serving as a focal point or center of research. Moonlight and folk songs with moonlight motif perform several functions, two of which include; impacting morals, knowledge and wisdom to listeners and serving as an instrument. Findings of this study are of benefit to readers, individuals and researchers as they highlight the basic importance of these songs, how they are used to communicate ideas, values and culture of the people (In this case the Urhobos). This research centers on the Sociolinguistic components of moonlight songs, and how they make folktales, stories, dances and performances more interesting as well as entertaining to listen to and watch. This research discusses the importance of moonlight songs to members of the Urhobo ethnic group, and why they should be reincorporated into the societal system in order to prevent their extinction.
