Indigenous Knowledge System and African Songs, Dance and Drumming as Information Source in the Society

Abstract

This paper seeks to heighten awareness on the need to indigenous knowledge system (IKS) and African songs, dance and drumming as  information source in the society as a body of knowledge acquired by the local people through accumulation of both formal and informal experience, including understanding the environment in a given culture. However, indigenous knowledge in Africa helps to meet the  broader objectives of the society by conserving the environment and, developing sustainable agriculture and ensuring food security.  Firstly, its protection encourages the maintenance of traditional practices and lifestyle. Secondly, it plays a vital role in the ecological  relationship and natural resources management by providing the cumulative wisdom passed on from generation to the next. Lastly,  songs, dance and drumming are the purest and commonest forms of emotional and psychological and social entertainment in African  world and realm in all cultures. It also generates rhythmic movement often go hand in hand, in a complex mutual enhancement and ethic  communication. Lot needs to be done in this area and more researches have to be under taken in indigenous knowledge. IKS needs  to be documented and preserved properly to facilitate retrieval and dissemination.