MUSICAL PRACTICES OF IGUNNUKO FESTIVAL AMONG AWORI PEOPLE OF LAGOS STATE

Abstract

This paper identified the Musical Practices of Igunuko Festival among Awori people of Lagos State. It explored the various concepts within the festival such as musical elements and instrumental practices. Both primary and secondary data collections were employed in this paper. The primary source comprised observation method where audio and video recordings were taken. Interviews were conducted with purposively selected individuals. These included the Ndaso of Igunuko o (the head or chief priest of Ìgunuko) in Ogudu, one of the Awori settlements; ten purposively selected singers, and six enthusiasts of Ìgunuko festival. Functionality theory of Emile Durkheim was also adopted for this paper. Findings revealed that festivals in Yorubaland represent the climax of event whereby public worship is involved, as they manifest themselves through oral expression and actions. Furthermore, the paper observed that the concept of music in festival can also be seen from perspective of total theatre, in which music, dancing, acting accompany the stage performance. The paper concluded that Ìgunuko music is bound in its cultural and traditional roles.