Transcription and Analysis of Nnyong Eyen Unen: Its Implications and Lessons for Contemporary Young People in Annang Land, Nigeria

Abstract

The paper focuses on the transcription and analysis of Nnyong Eyen Unen (Roaming Chick), which is a popular folk song used by young people in Annang land for both entertainment and educational purposes. The main purpose of the study is to draw relevant lessons from this song for contemporary young people in Annang land located in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. By extension, the lessons derived from this song would be beneficial to numerous young people in other climes. Research into Annang folk songs and their functionality in the delivery of moral instructions to young people in contemporary times are rare. This study seeks to fill the gap by an exhibition of this Annang folk song to the public space, both for study and entertainment purposes. After a field trip, recording, and allusion to internet sources, the author made a transcription of the song using a descriptive/analytical method and notational software application for the study. Nnyong Eyen Unenis a story about a roaming chick that is too young to roam about on its own without the control of the mother hen. The song reveals the potential dangers and risks associated with inexperience and juvenile adventures. The artistic and creative minds of the progenitors who use it to advise young people against wayward behaviour in society are conveyed.  The study recommends more scholarly attention to the collection of Annang folk songs, including those from other climes, as hubs of lessons for young people in contemporary society.