Traditional music in Yoruba society may to a considerable degree be regarded as music-drama. The dramatic element of this music is given its highest expression in situations of a ceremonial nature in which music, dance, speech, physical movement, costume, and art objects all combine to constitute the complete performance. Music in the context of traditional dance, even when the dance is not connected with ceremonial functions, illustrates another aspect of the dramatic use of music; for Yoruba dance, like much African dance, is akin to dance-drama.