AFRICAN INSTRUMENTATION AND CHILDREN UPBRINGING: A CASE STUDY OF THE ANGLICAN CHILDREN’S MINISTRY ODOAKPU ZONE, ONITSHA

Abstract

Music plays very significant role in the development of a child; morally, mentally and physically. A child begins to experience music right from birth, during which cradle songs are sung to the child so as to lull it to sleep, to stimulate laughter and so on. In Igbo land children are allowed to socialize according to age and sex, and, as well, get involved into activities which are connected to music such as dancing and playing of traditional instruments. Their music training begins with slow absorption of the music through observation and active participation. This tradition seems to be declining due to urbanization and its attendant agents. In the Anglican Children’s Ministry (ACM), music serves as a very powerful tool for children’s upbringing. This paper seeks to examine African instrumentation of the ACM Odoakpu Zone in Onitsha, Onitsha South Local Government Area of Anambra State and the roles it plays in developing children.