African Musicology: A Bibliographical Guide to Nigerian Art Music (1927–2009)

Abstract

This article provides a brief introduction to the history of art music in Nigeria, a concise discussion of three generations of music composition in Nigeria as well as an extensive bibliography of Nigerian art music comprised of articles, books, and discographic materials. The article is primarily set to present a list of sources on Nigerian art music, showcasing the depth and breadth of scholarly activities on this music. As such, this article is not focused on an overarching historical account of art music in Nigeria; this is outside the scope of this study. The bibliography encapsulates the focus of the extensive bibliographies which represent the scholarly contributions on modern Nigerian art music by various musicologists from Africa, Europe, and the United States. Most of the Nigerian authors are composers, ethnomusicologists, performers, and music educators, whose research is largely based on fieldwork, and their personal experiences in composing and performing this music. The bibliography includes articles, both published and unpublished, books, theses, and discographies, as well as papers presented at international conferences and symposia from 1927 to 2009. The topics cover every area pertinent to the study of art music in Nigeria—piano, organ, chamber, orchestra, vocal solo, choral, percussion, music and culture, music and dance, music and politics, music and text, music education, analytical and compositional techniques, theory, history, criticism, sacred and secular music, interculturalism, and composer biographies. The sound recordings of selected works were done by African, European, and American solo artists and orchestras.

A Pedagogical Model for Creating African-Inspired Piano Compositions: A Conceptual Thought

“…Amongst these historical events, our interaction with Europe and the quest to promote the continent's image in many fields of study are what bind us together. Accounts by Sadoh (2010) indicate similarities in the development of an indigenous art musical genre which began with the activities of the missionaries. Although the European culture had some influence on the African culture which compelled Africans to change their way of life, worship, and music (Manning, 2010), it is worth postulating that their influence on African traditional music is something not to regret about but rather, it has improved the African music and has raised it to a higher level.…”