ODU IN IGBO MUSICOLOGY: AN INTERVIEW WITH DR CHARLES NNEKE

Abstract

In Igbo culture, Odu (elephant tusk) is a highly revered object, symbolizing prestige, wealth, and tradition. It serves both ornamental, musical and extra musical purposes, playing a significant role in Igbo social and cultural life. This article through qualitative research, uses observation to explore the significance of Odu in Igbo musicology, its construction, varieties, and its role in contemporary Igbo society. The study is further enriched by an interview with Dr. Charles Nneke, an expert on Igbo traditional music, a renowned Odu player, resulting to a better insight as to the construction, playing and the future of this traditional instrument. It was discovered that this traditional instrument needs an alternative source of supply other than the ones got from animals. The need to train more odu players and get Igbo youths to appreciate this distinguishing instrument cannot be over emphasized.