An anthology and documentation of Ogba traditional songs for posterity

Abstract

For centuries, Ogba traditional songs have remained viable to the people of Ogba land. However, these songs which play prominent roles in virtually all traditional events in Ogba community have gained little or no recognition in other Nigerian communities as a result of inadequate documentation. Worse still, these songs are at risk of extinction as they are seldom transmitted to, nor practised by, a majority of youths in the community. This study notates and documents some of these songs. It also analyses the musical and extra-musical functions, of the selected songs in the Ogba tradition. It is anticipated that the study will be beneficial to musicologists and composers, by contributing to the African music repertoire and folk materials.