TRENDS IN CONTEMPORARY COMPOSITIONAL TECHNIQUES: AN OVERVIEW

Abstract

Nigeria is known for its vibrant and diverse cultural heritage and its rich musical history that continues to evolve. Consequently, compositional techniques in music have experienced significant advancements by integrating deep learning and artificial intelligence (AI) methods. These advancements require some level of research interest and attention. Through consultation of related literature and participation, this paper tries to explore some of the various contemporary composition techniques used in Nigeria. These techniques are characterized by a fusion of traditional Nigerian elements with modern Western influences, experimentation with electronic music production, and interdisciplinary collaborations. The use of synthesizers, drum machines, and digital effects has allowed for the exploration of new sonic landscapes and the incorporation of electronic elements into traditional music. As a result, contemporary music composition techniques in Nigeria have become increasingly popular and have experienced a significant evolution in recent years. Findings show that there are some challenges related to maintaining human creativity and the evaluation the artistic quality of AI-generated Music. Future research should focus on addressing these challenges and finding a balance between the potentials of AI in music composition.