PERCEPTION OF INDIGENOUS MUSICAL COMMUNICATION: A STUDY OF IGBA ARABA IN OBOSI COMMUNITY, ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

Enhancement of culture and tradition through indigenous musical communication transmits information that promotes information, entertainment, cohesion and moral among people in the community. As such the interest, awareness, exposure and perception of youths in Obosi seem to wax cold. But it is quite unfortunate to see that the indigenous music of the community is not recognized and no possibilities to transfer to the next generation, and it could affect the extinction of Igba Araba music in Obosi. In this vain, this study seeks to establish the Perception of Indigenous Musical Communication: A Case Study of Igba Araba in Obosi, Anambra State. The study employed Observation theory and Social Awareness theory, and adopted both the quantitative and qualitative methods comprising the Survey and Key Informant Interview. For the survey, a total of 398 randomly selected youths in Obosi community, who have been found to be aware, have interest and perceive Igba Araba, were studied and seven (7) executive members of Igba Araba musical group, participated in the Key Informant Interview. Findings revealed that the awareness, interest, and favorable perception of youths represent a vibrant and valued part of contemporary cultural life in Obosi that is successfully maintained and transmitted to new generations. Also, the respondents that have been exposed to Igba Araba indicated that Igba Araba musical communication are mainly for old men which gave rise to concerns about the decline of Igba Araba musical communication, an indication of the need to actively sustain this cultural heritage and its social functions. Results also showed that majority of the respondents are highly aware, interested and exposed to Igba Araba musical communication but do not participate in the performance of the musical group. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the traditional rulers through the help of local government should develop educational programs and cultural centers to teach youth in Obosi about the history, meaning, and performance of Igba Araba musical communication, community initiatives and events to regularly practice and showcase Igba Araba musical communication, maintaining it as a living tradition and the need to desist from negative perception.