Igbo music

Last updated
A typical udu Udu.jpg
A typical udu

Igbo music (Igbo: Egwu nkwa ndi Igbo) is the music of the Igbo people, who are indigenous to the southeastern part of Nigeria. The Igbo traditionally rely heavily on percussion instruments such as the drum and the gong, which are popular because of their innate ability to provide a diverse array of tempo, sound, and pitch. [1] Igbo music is generally lively, upbeat, and spontaneous which creates a variety of sounds that enables the Igbo people to incorporate music into almost all the facets of their daily lives. Some very popular Igbo musical styles are Igbo highlife, Ogene, Igbo gospel.

Contents

History

When examining the impact that music has on the culture of the Igbo people, one would have to look no further than the earliest accounts of the vast history of Igbo in Nigeria. Igbo people are speculated to be descendants of the people of the Nok culture that a large area of central Nigeria from 1500 BC to 200 AD. [1] The Nok civilization is very popular because of the vast amount of colorful artifacts that they left behind, which include an array of musical instruments some of which on surface examination are somewhat similar to those found in Igbo Ukwu. It is not known when the beginnings or first vestiges of Igbo music sprung up. However, from the range of traditional lullabies, rhythmic proverbs and poems, work songs and general use of music in day-to-day life, music has influenced.

Cultural impact

Traditionally, music has been used to:

Instruments

Drums

The drum is the most important musical instrument for Nigerians, and especially the Igbo people. [2] This instrument is extensively used during celebrations, rites of passage, funerals, war, town meetings and an array of other events. Since this instrument is so diverse, many types of drums have been crafted and perfected over the years.

Pot drum

The pot drum instrument is called the Kim-Kim or Udu. [3] It is typically dumb-bell shaped, and is around 27 cm–29 cm in height with an opening at the top that is about three to five centimeters. [3] The base of the drum is about 13 cm–15 cm wide, and the head is around eight to nine centimeters wide. This instrument is typically used to produce bass. To achieve a low and deep sound, a minimal amount of water is added. To maintain a higher sound, a considerable amount of water is added to the pot. [3] To play this instrument, the musician will brace it between her legs and grip the neck with her left hand. In order to produce a sound, the musician will cup her hand and beat the opening very rapidly. Usually, this instrument has been played by women and is used for traditional rites of passage, weddings, and community club meetings.

The drum

The Udu is the most common and popular drum. [2] This instrument is also known as Nkwa, Egwe, or Egede, depending on the part of the country. [2] These drums are not talking drums. Although they produce a sound which is tonal, syncopated, and generally melodious – they have never been known as talking drums and are not spiritual in nature or usage. Igbo people speak. [2] The body of the drum is usually constructed from a hollowed out pear or cotton tree which is very durable yet malleable. The drum is then covered with antelope or cow skin. [2] The hide is fastened tightly to the top and bottom of the instrument with seven to eight studs, and with rope in a decorative manner. The studs are able to be adjusted for tuning purposes and sound accommodation. If the studs are tightened a high pitch is emitted. The opposite effect is heard if the studs are loosened. Typically, more than one Igba is played by several drummers at a time. The drum can be played by using four fingers from each hand. The right hand is used to beat the head of the drum, and the left hand is used to stop the vibration. If the musician stops the vibration closer to the edge of the drum head,a low pitch will be emitted. If the musician stops the vibration closer to the center, then a higher pitch will be emitted. The Igba can also be played using a curved drum stick, which can be found wrapped in fiber to produce a soft sound, or "naked" to produce hard sound. This drum is very versatile and is usually played during celebrations, festivals, weddings, male and female rites of passage, and sometimes funerals. [3]

Slit drum (Ekwe)

The slit drum called the Ekwe is also very popular amongst the Igbo. [2] This drum is constructed from a hollowed out palm, bamboo, or pear tree trunk. Once the trunk has been cleaned, two horizontal slits are carved into the base as well as a narrow slit connecting the two. This drum is played using a "naked" wooden drum stick to strike the head. The Ekwe produces a distinct sound and for this reason is usually used for signaling an emergency, community meetings, or warning of intruders’ presence. [2]

Gongs

These instruments are another important part of Igbo music. While not as important as the drum, these instruments do provide much needed rhythm and accompaniment.

The most prominent Gongs are the Olu and the Ogene. [2] The Olu is a large Gong, about four feet long. The Ogene is smaller Gong and is about eight inches long. The Olu and Ogene are played by rhythmically beating the base of these instruments in cadence with the rest of the ensemble. [3] The Ogene is used mostly for complementing drums and other percussion instruments. It is also very useful in helping dancers time their movements and gestures. The Olu produces a very distinct sound and is mostly used to warn the community of any danger or as a call for attention in case of an important announcement. [2]

Other instruments

Other instruments include a woodblock known as okpola , a wind instrument similar to the flute, called an Ọjà and the ichaka . The Igbo also have a style of music called Ikorodo , which is when all the musical instruments are played together with vocal accompaniment. [4]

Udu

The instrument is played by hand and produces a special and unique bass sound by quickly hitting the big hole. Furthermore, the whole corpus can be played by fingers (some experienced players also use toes). Today it is widely used by percussionists in different music styles.

List of Igbo Genres

Today

Though Igbo music remains very traditional, it has undergone some changes in old times. In the 60’s and 70’s a new genre of music was born called Igbo highlife. [5] This was a fusion of traditional Igbo music and Western African highlife. [6] Igbo highlife and other Igbo rhythm heavily influenced Latin American music.

Notable Igbo musicians

Some popular Igbo musicians past and present include: Sir Warrior (Head of Highlife), Oliver de Coque (King of Highlife), Celestine Ukwu, Onyeka Onwenu, Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe, Bright Chimezie (Duke of Highlife), Nico Mbarga, Oriental Brothers (Stars of Music), onyeoma tochukwu, Faze, umu obiligbo. For more examples, see List of Igbo people § Musicians.

Some examples of Igbo rappers include Ugoccie, Phyno, Jeriq.

Related Research Articles

Highlife is a Ghanaian music genre that originated along the coastal cities of present-day Ghana in the 19th century, during its history as a colony of the British and through its trade routes in coastal areas. It describes multiple local fusions of African metre and western jazz melodies. It uses the melodic and main rhythmic structures of traditional African music, but is typically played with Western instruments. Highlife is characterized by jazzy horns and guitars which lead the band and its use of the two-finger plucking guitar style that is typical of African music. Recently it has acquired an uptempo, synth-driven sound.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Music of Nigeria</span>

The music of Nigeria includes many kinds of folk and popular music. Little of the country's music history prior to European contact has been preserved, although bronze carvings dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries have been found depicting musicians and their instruments. The country's most internationally renowned genres are Indigenous, Apala, Aurrebbe music, Rara music, Were music, Ogene, Fuji, Jùjú, Afrobeat, Afrobeats, Igbo highlife, Afro-juju, Waka, Igbo rap, Gospel,Nigerian pop and Yo-pop. Styles of folk music are related to the over 250 ethnic groups in the country, each with their own techniques, instruments, and songs. The largest ethnic groups are the Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba. Traditional music from Nigeria and throughout Africa is often functional; in other words, it is performed to mark a ritual such as the wedding or funeral and not to achieve artistic goals. Although some Nigerians, especially children and the elderly, play instruments for their own amusement, solo performance is otherwise rare. Music is closely linked to agriculture, and there are restrictions on, for example, which instruments can be played during different parts of the planting season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Slit drum</span> Hollow percussion instrument mainly used for Amapiano music

A slit drum or slit gong is a hollow percussion instrument. In spite of its often being called a drum, it is not a true drum because it lacks a drumhead, the membrane stretched across the top of a true drum. It is classed instead as an idiophone in which the entire instrument vibrates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Music of West Africa</span>

The music of West Africa has a significant history, and its varied sounds reflect the wide range of influences from the area's regions and historical periods.

Afro rock is a style of rock music with African influences. Afro rock is a dynamic interplay between Western rock music and African musical elements such as rhythm, melodies and instrumentation. Afro rock bands and artists in the late 1960s and early 1970s included Osibisa, Assagai and Lafayette Afro Rock Band.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Udu</span> Musical instrument of the Igbo of Nigeria

The kim-kim or Udu is a plosive aerophone and an idiophone of the Igbo of Nigeria. In the Igbo language, ùdù means 'vessel' or 'pot'. This is a hand percussion instrument and it is one of most important instruments in Igbo music.

Arondizuogu (Aro-ndizuogu) is a town inhabited by the Aro people, an Igbo subgroup in Imo State of Nigeria. The Arondizuogu community is believed to have migrated from Arochukwu in the present Abia State to their current settlements in Imo State, which include the Okigwe, Ideato North and Onuimo local governments.

An Ikoro is a musical instrument created and used by the Igbo of Nigeria. It is a slit drum that is beaten with a stick or sticks and can be used in some parts of Igbo land for communicating, similar to a talking drum. Ikoro cannot be played by anyone. It is so special that any time its sound is heard people will gather at the village square. As soon as it sounds, people around assume that any of the following has happened: murder, land has been defiled, an outbreak of war, a calamity has befallen the community, etc. Any time the ikoro is heard, people gather at the village square to hear the latest developments. Ikoro also brings a sense of urgency.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Igba</span> African percussion instrument

The igba is a tom-tom that has a beating surface of the same approximate diameter as a bongo. An igba may be as small as seven inches, or as tall as three feet. Traditionally, the deeper shelled igba are played with the hand, while the shorter drums are played with a curved stick. In an ensemble these drums often lead, and are used to "talk" by the talking drummers. By hammering on the tuning wedges which line the perimeter of the skin, the player tightens the drum's skin to achieve the desired pitch and tone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ogene</span> Igbo music style

Ogene is a style of Igbo music consisting of, and taking its name from, the ogene instrument, which is a large metal bell. The Ogene instrument has historically been made by the Igbo people of Nigeria. It is one of the most important metal instruments of the people.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ekwe</span> Igbo musical instrument

An Ekwe is an Igbo traditional musical instrument. The ekwe is a slit drum with rectangular slits in the surface and a hollow interior. The ekwe is made out of wood, most commonly a log or a section of one. The ekwe comes in a variety of sizes and designs; the size is determined according to the purpose. An ekwe can be used for traditional cultural events, or it can be used for music. The ekwe is also used as a type of talking drum communicating, in the past, with others at long distances. Ekwe players use different rhythms for different purposes, from celebrations to emergencies.

Igbo culture are the customs, practices and traditions of the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria. It consists of ancient practices as well as new concepts added into the Igbo culture either by cultural evolution or by outside influence. These customs and traditions include the Igbo people's visual art, music and dance forms, as well as their attire, cuisine and language dialects. Because of their various subgroups, the variety of their culture is heightened further.

Egedege Dance is one of the most renowned traditional dance outfits and an Igbo traditional Royal-styled cultural dance in the whole of South Eastern Nigeria. Founded in 1985, it is a reincarnation of an old version originally performed by the ancestors of the present-day Unubi. In those days, it was a moonlight dance, performed by youths. It has however been remodeled to fit modern trends. Their performance is a combination of songs, dance, Instrumentation and colorful traditional outfits. Their performance is introduced by elaborate fluting which is the entrance cue that heralds the group, led by the queen. The singing only begins when the queen reaches the stage and takes the microphone. She arrives under a big umbrella, carried by one man, with another fanning her from behind. She sings but sometimes dance to the rhythm of the instrument. Egedege dance was made popular by Theresa Onuorah in Unubi Town. She is happily married and lives in Unubi. The name Egedege stems from a local slang for richness and bravery which explains why the dance is considered Cultural classics and are only played in a royal homes or rich families.

Odumodu is a folk style of music that is predominantly sung among the Arochukwu, Bende, Ohafia, Abiriba, Umuahia, Ikwuano, and Ngwa people of the Igbo ethnic group, of Abia State, located in southeastern Nigeria. It is mainly used to uplift spirits and entertain guests at events, while extolling the virtues of illustrious men and women, and telling stories that edify.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ijele Masquerade</span> Traditional masquerade of the Igbo people, biggest masquerade in Sub-Saharan Africa

Ijele Masquerade, known as the biggest Masquerade in Sub-Saharan Africa, is a tradition of the Igbo people of Nigeria and was listed in the UNESCO Archives as an intangible cultural element in need of urgent safeguarding. In many communities in the state of Anambra in South-Eastern Nigeria, celebrations, burial ceremonies and other special occasions during the dry season to evoke fertility and a bountiful harvest feature the performance of the Ijele masquerade.

Igbo highlife is a contemporary musical genre which combines highlife and Igbo traditional music. It first started off in the southeast region of Nigeria, during the 1920s. The genre is primarily guitar-based music, with a rare characteristic blend of horns and vocal rhythms. Igbo highlife lyrics are sung mostly in Igbo with occasional infusion of Pidgin English. One of the most influential composers and performers of the music is Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe whose career spanned over 40 years. Osadebe's discography comprises numerous popular songs including the 1984 hit "Osondi Owendi" which launched him on the world stage as a pioneer of the Igbo highlife genre.

Indigenous Nigerian music is the music originating from the various indigenous tribes of Nigeria. It encompasses mainly traditional music styles, although some forms have absorbed partial influences from genres performed by immigrant and foreign musicians.

Afiaolu is a traditional festival held annually in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria around August. The Afiaolu festival commences on “Eke” day with what is traditionally described as “Iwaji” and Ikpa Nku, this heralds the availability of new yam as well as thanksgiving to God. The festival includes a variety of entertainments including performance of ceremonial rites by the Igwe (king), cultural dance by girls and masquerade dance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ọjà</span> Traditional musical instrument of the Igbo people

The ọjà is an integral part of the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people and continues to play a significant role in their musical traditions. The Igbo people, who are indigenous to Nigeria, are renowned for the utilization of the ọjà (flute) traditional musical instrument in cultural activities or events. It is made from bamboo or metal and is played by blowing air into one end while covering and uncovering holes along the body to create different notes. The ọjà, which is skillfully carved from wood, produces a beautiful sound when played during songs. In traditional Igbo music, the ọjà is often performed in conjunction with a number of other instruments such as the ekwe, udu, igba (drum), ogene (bell), ichaka/0sha (rattle), okwa (gong), etc. These instruments complement each other to create a unique and distinct sound that characterizes the musical traditions of the Igbo people. The seamless integration of these instruments in musical performances highlights the strong musical heritage and cultural identity of the Igbo people.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ejyk Nwamba</span> Nigerian musician

Ejike Benedict Obiano known professionally as Ejyk Nwamba or Ogene master, is a Nigerian musician from Anambra State. One of the front men in Ogene music, a musical style which is popular in the Eastern part of Nigeria, Nwamba is regarded as the best Ogene musician in Igboland. He is the recipient of several accolades, including Artist of the Year at the 2021 Ukpor Special Awards and Best Indigenous Artist of the Year at the 2022 Anambra Legends Achievers Awards.

References

  1. 1 2 Ames, David. Ethnomusicology. Igbo and Hausa Musicians: A Comparative Examination. Vol. 17, No. 2. (May, 1973), pp. 250-278.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Echezona, Wilberforce W. Music Educators Journal. Ibo Musical Instruments. Vol. 50, No. 5. (Apr. - May, 1964), pp. 23-27+130-131.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "Ames, David. African Arts. Kimkim: A Women's Musical Pot Vol. 11, No. 2. (Jan., 1978), pp. 56-64+95-96."
  4. "Traditional Igbo musical instruments". National Light. 2018-07-13. Archived from the original on 2021-01-22. Retrieved 2020-05-28.
  5. "Naijajams. http://www.naijajams.com/category/music/nigerian-highlife/ Archived 2008-02-29 at the Wayback Machine ."
  6. Collins, John (1989). "The early history of West African highlife music". Cambridge core.