The Vibrant Intensity of Nigerian Music

Abstract

Music is an integral part of human experience that enriches every stage of life, reflecting and shaping human lives from birth to death and this is accompanied by appropriate musical instruments. Music has a universal language that is often used to express some activities in religious, ritual, educational, political and social settings. However, Nigerian music reflects the country’s traditions, customs, norms, language and this is rooted in diverse cultural traditions with the fusion of contemporary elements. This paper, therefore, seeks to express the concept of music in the Nigerian cultural system, exploring the interjection between music and dance, expressing the role of musical instruments as well as their exponents and how the music has sustained and preserved the rich cultural heritage of Nigerian music. The ethnographic method is employed to collect the data through a descriptive approach, and internet and library resources are also consulted.  The research work, therefore, concludes that Nigerian musical instrument reflects social and cultural practices towards sustaining the growth and development of Nigerian music.