CHANGE AND CONTINUITY IN THE PERFORMANCE OF EKOMBI DANCE MUSIC AMONG THE EFIK OF CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The Ekombi dance music of the Efik people of Cross River State, Nigeria, is a prominent expression of indigenous musical and cultural heritage that embodies the people's worldview, identity, aesthetics, and spiritual values. Although the dance has remained an important feature of ceremonies, festivals, and other socio-cultural events, increasing interaction with Christianity, western education, globalization, digital media, and changing social values has influenced its performance practices. This study examined the patterns of change and continuity in the performance practice of Ekombi dance music with a view to identifying the elements that have persisted, the aspects that have evolved, and the factors responsible for these transformations. The study adopted a qualitative ethnomusicological approach employing participant observation, in-depth interviews with aged dancers, cultural custodians, musicians and community elders, as well as documentary sources. Data were analysed descriptively within the frameworks of Cultural Continuity and Change Theory and Performance Theory. Findings revealed that while fundamental musical characteristics, wave-like dance movements, symbolic costumes, communal participation, and the cultural identity associated with Ekombi have remained largely intact, significant changes have occurred in performance contexts, costume designs, gender participation, instrumentation, modes of transmission, and the integration of modern technologies. The study further established that these changes have enhanced the visibility and sustainability of the dance without completely eroding its indigenous identity. It concludes that the survival of Ekombi dance music depends on balancing cultural continuity with adaptive transformation through systematic documentation, preservation, and intergenerational transmission of its musical and performance traditions.