MUSIC IN KÃLÃḆÀRÃŒ TRADITIONAL FUNERAL RITES

Abstract

Ḏụẹịn-á¸Ã­á¸‡Ã­-a númè (Funeral rites music) in Káláḇàrì culture is a final honour for the dead and status symbol for the living. It is performed for titled men, elders, members of Èkìnè society and other socio-cultural clubs. Although Ḏụẹịn-á¸Ã­á¸‡Ã­-a númè occupies an important position in Káláḇàrì culture, yet no musicological studies exist in terms of structure, significance and documentation as its traditional forms are on the decline. Ethnographic research design was adopted and data were collected from three Local Government Areas: Asari-Toru, Akuku-Tori and Degema that make up the Káláḇàrì of Rivers State. Participant Observation, In-depth Interview and Key Informant techniques were used in data collection. Performance of Ḏụẹịn-á¸Ã­á¸‡Ã­-a númè which is categorised into four is event specific, contextual and rooted in Káláḇàrì belief systems. This paper concludes that musical performance at funerals engenders socialization and spiritual bonding in Káláḇàrì celebration of life after life.