From Japanese Kabuki classical theater to the Deutsche Wanderbühne (German Travelling Theaters) and Medieval Islamic theatre, the concept of traditional traveling musical theater groups is universal, and Africa is not left out. In addition to the energetic performances by colorful masquerades of various African ethnic groups, especially among the Ogoni people of South-Southern Nigeria or the Tiv people of Central Eastern Nigeria, musical ensemble performances with puppet shows/ theaters were common. Meanwhile, in the South Western part of Nigeria, among the Yoruba people, there was the Aláàrìnjó, a music and theater performance troupe.

The Yoruba theater has undergone various transformational milestones, with influences from notable figures such as the late Pa Hubert Ogunde and his Ogunde Theater, as well as the comedic performances of Moses Olaiya, popularly known as Baba Sala, alongside his Alawada group. Other significant contributors include Gbenga Adeboye, also known as Funwontan, among many others. Their impact continues to entertain generations to this day.

The Aláàrìnjó (transliterated as “the person who walks and dances”) was the moniker used for the traditional “traveling” Yoruba theater troupe. 

According to Dr. Babatunde Allen Bakare on Costume Agency, the Yoruba Traditional Aláàrìnjó (Travelling) Theatre is a highly itinerant theatrical performance of Egungun (masquerade), located around several Yoruba settlements, such as villages and major towns. Their performances were occasionally initiated by important personalities such as Kings and Chiefs. At the same time, Omotayo Oloruntoba-Oju of Adekunle Ajasin University in her paper defined the Alarinjo as an itinerant drama phenomenon that dates from the 16th century in the old Yoruba Oyo Empire, specifically during the reign of Alaafin (King) Ogbolu.

The Aláàrìnjó was said to have evolved from the masquerade performances (egunegun), which were mostly religious and sometimes for ceremonial purposes. These theatrical performances were typically reserved for kings and prominent chiefs, similar to the early days of Elizabethan drama. According to Joel Adedeji, the first recorded Aláàrìnjó were recorded in the early 17th century when Ologbin Ologbojo, who was Arokin (chief rhapsodist, cymbalist and ballad singer) and Ologbo (staff bearer) of the royal household of King Ogbolu, the Alaafin of Oyo Igboho, set up a troupe of masqueraders and akunyungba (chorus) to entertain the king.

Gradually, after the fall of the Oyo Empire, the audience of Aláàrìnjó evolved into everyone. Thus, more troupes appeared on the scene and continued to travel farther across the region for many reasons. Competition, relevance, survival, and more were among the top reasons for the traverse across the villages and communities. These developments led to the emergence of Pa Ogunde’s African Music Research Party, later renamed Ogunde Theater in 1960.

The performance of the Aláàrìnjó included music, dance, storytelling, and drama for showmanship & entertainment, teaching morals, and sometimes, a vehicle for documenting historical moments.   The key elements are the mask, the chant, and the dance; plus the gesture and costume equal the performance by Aláàrìnjó. Another key element in the performance is the traditional drums that help set the pace for the performance.

The Aláàrìnjó has evolved over decades from being an outdoor-only event. The first one can safely say was Pa Ogunde’s first stage play, “The Garden of Eden,”  financed by the church. With over 50 plays to his credit, Ogunde also pioneered the production of two pioneering Yoruba feature-length films and co-produced his first celluloid film. These feats paved the way for others such as Duro Ladipo, Kola Ogunmola, and Moses Olaiya (aka Baba Sala). The Aláàrìnjó performances also purportedly became the foundation for present-day African music, comedy, theatre, and Nollywood.

Although the Aláàrìnjó is rapidly becoming a thing of the past, its cultural essence and impact transcend time and remain an integral part of today’s African music, dance, storytelling, and drama.

The Aláàrìnjó is the Yoruba traveling theater troupes that evolved from masquerade performances.

Aláàrìnjó: The Yoruba Theatre

The Aláàrìnjó is the Yoruba traveling theater troupes that evolved from masquerade performances.

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