Music in Contemporary Nigerian Drama: A Functionalist Approach

Abstract

From time immemorial, the relationship between music and drama has always been an intimate one. This is because music enhances the theatrical values of dramatic works. This paper identifies the complementary role which music plays to drama by tracing its very beginning to the manner of presentation in the traditional African setting. It classifies the basic types of music, and identifies and analyses the various uses to which music is put, in contemporary Nigerian drama. In proving this, it draws on examples of the functions of music from four different Nigerian drama texts. The paper concludes on the submission that music goes a long way in consolidating the pedagogical pursuits of contemporary Nigerian drama.

Nigerian Music Review Vol.5 2004: 19-35