Hazards and artistes in Okpẹ traditional music practice

Abstract

Traditional music practice is an age-long phenomenon which has thrived through the doggedness of various artistes in thin and thick circumstances. Some Ókpẹ̀ traditional music artistes, in spite of their interests and creativity, have abandoned the vocation due to associated hazards that are physical and spiritual. This article identifies the reasons for the hazards and some victims of the deadly act. Using the causal comparative research method, oral interview and lyrics of music were used as data collection tools from artistes such as Egbikumẹ Azanọr, Stephen Biokoro, Emeruchọnẹ Ẹsobiebi, Comfort Titi Ukereti and Godwin Idọlọr. It was observed that some hazards were reprisals to music lyrics of artistes while others were lack of health awareness on the part of the artistes. Mild and non-personalised music lyrics were recommended while health consciousness is recommended to guarantee fulfilled music career.