THE THEME OF ODE AMONG WEST AFRICAN POETS

Abstract

This study aims to examine how West Africanpoets use the theme of ode (boasting), composi tions, and scourge in their poems. However, thisstudy is extremely important as it sheds light onaspects that many researchers do not know aboutArab poetry in Africa.lack press. Since African poets have taken theode theme limitedly, it was decided that it wouldbe more appropriate to expand the work and coverall of West Africa. The main goal is to reveal theode theme of West Africa and its characteristics. Inthe study, odes of West African poets were collec ted, and necessary classifications were made, theobtained information were thoroughly analyzedand subjected to document analysis. In the study,it was determined that the poets of the region wro te poems boasting of their courage, good morals,poetry skills, religion, and tribes. However, it isclearly noticed that Islamic style prevailed in the ir praise of their tribes. Sometimes the entries ofodes are written freely without classical ode rest rictions because some poets started their odes inthe name of Allah and the Messenger and finishedwith thanksgiving. It is imperative to note that inthe odes, expressions about African environmentand culture were also sometimes found.