THE PERFORMANCE OF UTA MUSIC OF IBIBIO IN CONTEMPORARY TIMES

Abstract

This study is a discussion on the performance practice of Uta music in contemporary time using Ibibio as a case study. The aim is to investigate the changes that have occurred in time and space in the performance techniques of Uta cultural music. This paper explores qualitative methodology to analyse the data collected from the field. Modernism theory by Friedland and Boden (1994) is added as its theoretical framework. Employing the descriptive and analytical methods, he study reveals that modernity and development have gotten great influence on the performance of Uta music. The practise of traditional Uta instrumental music has undergone several remarkable changes in appearance, tempo, sound, instrumentation, costume, dance steps and context of performance. The study concludes that, in spite of the fact that Uta indigenous performances are mainly used for entertainment purposes, they also play a great role in teaching morals and maintaining the cultural heritage and tradition of the people. The study recommends that government should establish more Institutes of African Studies to conserve the study of ethnic music. Funds should also be made available for research and sensitization of the communities by ethnomusicologists.