EXPLORING THE IMPLICATIONS OF PLURALITY IN NIGERIAN MUSIC
Keywords:
Music plurality, Nigerian music culture, traditional identity, evaluation, standardization, musical diversity, vocal traditions, instrumental traditions, contemporary music genres, traditional music values, socio-cultural identities, historical identities, collective identities, traditional music experience, inspiration, composers, folk music, contemporary arrangementsAbstract
This study examines the concept of music plurality in Nigerian music culture and its impact on
traditional identity, evaluation, and standardization. The paper explores the diversity of Nigerian musical
culture, with numerous genres of both vocal and instrumental traditions being practiced across localities and
ethnicities. The paper argues that in the process of borrowing, merging, or imitating musical styles, the music
loses its distinct socio-cultural, historical, or collective identities, which are integral to a traditional music
experience. Nonetheless, the author observes that composers are drawing inspiration from traditional and folk
music, as these forms have been revitalized for contemporary arrangements in numerous music genres. The
paper concludes by suggesting that standardization can only be achieved when traditional music values are
integrated into contemporary music genres
