Music as Cultural Expression in Igbo Society: Tradition, Identity, and Continuity
Conference: The 23rd Annual International Conference of the Igbo Studies Association (ISA) (2026)
Presenter(s): Chidera Emmanuel Anthony
Presentation Date: May 14, 2026 @ 20:44 PM
Tags: Nigeria Owerri Federal University of Technology Imo State
Abstract
Music occupies a central and enduring position in Igbo society, serving as a vital medium for cultural expression, social organisation, and the preservation of indigenous knowledge. Within the Igbo worldview, music is inseparable from everyday life and is deeply embedded in language, dance, ritual practice, and communal interaction. This paper examines Igbo music as a reflection of cultural values and traditions, emphasizing its functional and symbolic roles in major life-cycle events such as birth, initiation, marriage, festivals, work, and funerals. Traditional musical forms, including egwu, ogene, ikoro, and mmanwu performances, operate not only as artistic expressions but also as vehicles for moral instruction, historical transmission, and social regulation. Through rhythmic complexity, call-and-response structures, and the use of indigenous instruments, Igbo music promotes collective participation. It reinforces communal ideals such as unity, respect for elders, and shared responsibility. The paper also explores the spiritual dimension of Igbo music, highlighting its role in ritual contexts and its function as a channel of communication between the human and ancestral realms. In contemporary settings, Igbo music continues to evolve through interaction with modern and global influences, producing hybrid forms that integrate traditional elements with popular styles while maintaining cultural authenticity. This adaptability underscores the resilience of Igbo musical traditions in the face of social change. By situating music within its cultural and historical contexts, the paper argues that Igbo music remains a dynamic repository of identity, memory, and continuity.
16 views