MUSICAL ACTIVITIES OF WOMEN IN ANNANG CULTURE OF AKWA IBOM STATE

Abstract

This work focuses on the musical activities of women in Annang culture with its main objective to critically study the music of Annang women and collate ethnographic and ethnology materials into a coherent body of knowledge on music practice, behavior and concepts in the society. The method used for the study is multidimensional - historical, descriptive and analytical approach to assess those basic principles and organization that are common in indigenous musical culture of the Annang people. Facts for the compilation of the work were drawn from both primary and secondary sources and from interviews during fieldwork experience. The study also examined the extent in which musical activities play its role in maintaining social, culturalin the society. Through interview and findings, it is realized that a lot of things has changed. Most cultural activities and seasonal events like fattening process of mbopo and (new yam, cassava, and ebre festivals) which call for the statutory musical performance yearly by women in Annang culture are fast disappearing. Among other things, it is observed that though some annual festivals like new yam and puberty rites which drew women participation to the event are almost extinct, the musical activities by women are still prominently performed during marriage ceremonies, funeral rites and coronation of chiefs. Suggestions were as well made for the sustenance of the culture.