Kpakpaan music and conflict resolution in Bo-ue Community of Ogoni, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines kpankpan music and conflict resolutions in Bo-ue community of Ogoni, Rivers State, Nigeria. Conflict is associated with human existence and the effect of conflict among the people has hampered communal life in Bo-ue community which includes the culture of coming together and living peacefully in the community. it is an age long music and was last performed in 1999 that is twenty (21) years ago. The decline in the kpankpan music has brought an untold hardship to the people and the community has become vulnerable to internal and external conflicts. Analytical approach and field research method of participation and observation was employed in gathering information, the researcher transcribed the selected conflict resolution songs. The findings are: as long as kpankpan music is performed, the war ammunitions and bullets would be neutralized and their music also serves as security to the community. it is recommended that kpankpan music documentation is necessary to the survival, revival and continuity of conflict resolution in Bo-ue community. Kpankpan music group should also be encouraged to mentor youths in order to keep the music alive.