Developmental Trends in Igbe Music of the Urhobo in the 21st Century

Abstract

Igbe has been a religious practice among the Urhobo since the late 19th century with its origin in Kokori, Agbon clan in Delta State. The music comprises a combination of chants, dances, speech, songs and musical instruments performed during ritualistic and social ceremonies. Since the emergence of Igbe music, much interaction with social development and information technology (ICT) has resulted in visible changes. However, the degree of the impact of these changes on Igbe music has not received desired academic attention. This paper therefore examine sthe various innovations in Igbe music to make its application relevant in the 21st century. From oral interviews and participant observation, it was established that in-corporation of Western bass drum (Ibani), various amplification gadgets, establishment of Igbe popular dance band and the waxing of Igbe songs/records in recording studios geared towards rebranding Igbe music and making it relevant in modern era. It is therefore recommended that, within a tolerable religious change, music should receive high administrative support to achieve the purpose for which it is part of the system.