RETAINING AFRICAN IDENTITY IN ART MUSIC COMPOSITION THROUGH RHYTHM: AN ANALYSIS OF AGU’S ‘I AM PROUD TO BE A NIGERIAN’

Abstract

Over the years, African composers have made significant contributions to the global music landscape through the creation of works that meet international standards. However, some contemporary African composers, particularly younger ones, often fail to reflect their cultural heritage in their compositions, especially in works written in foreign languages. This tendency may result from attempts to emulate the compositional styles of renowned Western composers of the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods. In contrast, distinguished African composers and musicologists such as Dan C. C. Agu have successfully integrated African musical elements into their works, thereby preserving their cultural identity. This study examines the retention of African identity in choral music composition through the use of rhythm, using Agu's I Am Proud to Be a Nigerian as a case study. Through an analytical examination of the rhythmic structures employed in the work, the study demonstrates how indigenous African rhythmic practices can be effectively incorporated into contemporary choral compositions. The paper concludes by encouraging emerging African composers to consciously express their cultural heritage through their creative works.