Musical Analysis of “Mase-Vetho”, a Song by Hunyeme Afinfin Zojigbo Mase Ensemble of Ajara-Vetho in Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Mase music is a popular, functional, socio-cultural, traditional, and secular Ogu music genre, popular among the Ogu communities in Nigeria and the Republic of Benin. It is used for entertainment at social events, life celebrations, funerals, coronations and festivals. A survey of existing literature on Ogu music revealed a dearth of studies on the musical analysis of Ogu-Mase music. In executing this study, a Five-week fieldwork expedition was carried out to Ajara-Vetho, Badagry, Lagos, Nigeria. Data was collected through participant observation and oral interviews with the use of unstructured questionnaires. Focus group discussions which drew upon the experiences of experts in the field were used. Relevant and important information relating to the study was also collected from the Lagos State University library and internet search engines. The study revealed that Hunyeme Afinfin Zojigbo Mase ensemble is an all-male musical group, based in Ajara-Vetho, Badagry, Lagos State, led by Pa. Hunyeme Zumadiapa and performs the Mase-Ake variant of Ogu-Mase music. All members of the ensemble double as singer and play one of the following accompanying instruments, Alekle-Daho, Ogan, Alekle-pevi, Aze, Aya, Apesin-Daho and Mase-Apotin. Additionally, the study revealed significant musical elements of scale, melody, instrumentation and a texture of polyrhythmic instrumental patterns distributed among the accompanying instruments. The study documented and provided resource materials in the form of music transcriptions, thereby preparing a ground for further research and exploits in Ogu-Mase music through its analysis and examinations of Vetho-Mase.