THE PRESERVATION OF SEVEN SELECTED MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS OF BARI BII MUSIC GROUP IN OGONI COMMUNITIES, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper focused on the seven choices of musical instruments selected by Bari Bii music group of Ogoni communities. Musical instruments are the engine room of any music group. The Bari Bii music group makes use of seven musical instruments namely two small size slit wooden drums (Akira), one big slit wooden drum (Kio), one single membrane drum (Kere), one big size metal gong (Gira) and one small size metal gong (Gira). These instruments play rhythmic, melo-rhythmic, timely important roles during performances, the instruments are classified under idiophone and membranophone families. The seven musical instruments are as old as the group and attention has not been paid on the selection of these instruments in Ogoni communities while their performances are enjoyed by the people. Most music groups preserve their musical instruments among themselves but the seven musical instruments of the Bari Bii music group are preserved in their spiritual father’s shrine (Amachree) for protection by the gods of the land. Information sources were based on observation, participation and print media such as books, journals and conference papers. Findings reveal that all the members of the group during rehearsals and their six months training learn how to play the seven musical instruments that is why they do not feel the absence of any member in their performances. Conclusion and recommendations were made for the improvement and preservation of Bari Bii seven musical instruments in Ogoni community.