FIVE IGBO ART MUSIC COMPOSERS: AN ABRIDGED HISTORICAL DOCUMENTATION OF THEIR LIVES AND WORKS

Abstract

Igbo Art music refers to literary/written Igbo musical compositions which trained musicians produce under the influence of their western music training. It is a product of Igbo African’s contact with Western education and religion. The composers are mainly of Igbo extraction and have excelled in the art in various ways. They have equally made effort to document their works in form of sheet music, however, lack of improved documentation strategies (online), led to the loss of many of their works and hence the need for this research. The research method adopted for this study includes observation, oral interview and review of related literature. This work tends to document five Igbo art music composers selected each from the Five South-Eastern States of Nigeria which are; Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo states. These choice is basically on their level of popularity, academic achievements and contributions to Igbo Art Music, compared to their peers in their states. The outcome of the study is hoped to provide a platform for related works and set the ball rolling for further studies or similar works to be extended to all known Igbo Art musician.