EXPLORING THE COMMUNICATIVE ESSENCE OF THE EGBELEGBELE TRUMPET AND DANCE OF AMASSOMA IN BAYELSA STATE

Abstract

Exploring the communicative essence of the Egbelegbele trumpet and dance in Amassoma, OgboinClan of Bayelsa State, investigates the significant role played by the traditional musical instrument. The paper explores the organology of the instrument and brings to bare its musical and extra musical implications within the Egbelegbele dance troupe and by extension the Ogboinpeople. Erik Erikson’s psychosocial theory gives support to this work in the area of guiding individual development towards expected social ideals. The application of the theory connects the social dynamics of the musical instrument to the sustenance of cultural values. Using interviews and participant-observation approach in the collection of data, the paper documents the organology of the Egbelegbele, itsnormative structure dance troupe, as well as its musical functions in the troupe. The cultural implication of the sound of the Egbelegbele is also investigated. The research revealed that developmental changes have occurred over time in the materials used for the construction of the instrument, furthermore the Ogboin people regard the sound of the Egbelegbele as a cultural possession, whose tones accentuate unification, peace and celebration. In conclusion, the paper explored the possibility of creating digital spaces for its knowledge and patronage.