Prefiguring as an Indigenous Narrative Tool in Nigerian Cinema: An Ethnomusicological Reading

Abstract

Prefiguring entails the use of music to predict dialogue and scenes in film. It is prevalent in the cinematic productions of both the ethnic-based film industries in Nigeria and mainstream Nollywood. Theoretically, prefiguring is a function of indigenous storytelling practices, the appropriation of which conjures up layers of meaning for the local practice, practitioners, and audiences. Relying on in-depth textual analyses, composers’ accounts, and relevant literature, I argue that prefiguring is a concept of major theoretical importance to the study of music in Nigerian cinema, not least because its existence and efficacy strongly support notions of a localized film music practice.