MUSICAL PRACTICES AMONGST THE PEOPLE OF EDEM-ANI OGWUGWU COMMUNITY IN NSUKKA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA IN ENUGU STATE: A HISTORICAL NARRATIVE

Abstract

Musical practices in African society is said to be an inherent phenomenon in every African individual. Music is one of the core values in our society starting from the old. Edem community is not left out from the history. Edem is one of the communities in Nsukka local government area in Enugu state. It is an igbo community with a population of about 309,633 based on the national population census in 2006 (national population census conducted in 2006). Edem is divided into 4 zones/ communities which include, “Akpa-edem”, “Ozi-edem” Amenu-Edem and “Edem-Ani Ogwugwu. In each of these communities there are many villages and groups of kindred’s that make up these zones. For instance, Edem-Ani Ogwugwu is categorized or subdivided into communities which include, Umuchagwo, Umuchoke, Ogbodo-umuchagwo, Uwani-umuchoke, Ozara, Amaesumesu, Isu/Odojo, Nkofi, Owere-ugwu, Owere-agbo and Ubogidi. “Ozi-edem” is made up of Umuoko, Ukpara, Amankpume, Amaukpa, Amaukwa, Ikwe Ezike Amabunegu, Umueyi, Amauwena, Umuoji, and Obineguh. Amenu-Edem also known as Ugwunagbo-edem is made up of, Amenu, Amogu, Isu, and Odojo, finally “Akpa-edem” is made up of Owa-edem, Uwenu-obeke, Uwani-obeke, Dimunazu, Amankwa, Igoro-ugwu, Igoro-agbo, Amadimago, Isamani, Ama-oba, Okiti, Amadimba and Nkawushi. Ezema, (2018) and Nnanyelugo, (2024:23).