Project Abstract

Abstract
The Akata music of the Ibibio people is a significant cultural practice that plays a crucial role in the preservation and promotion of the cultural heritage of the community. This research project focuses on the practices and functions of Akata music within the Akata cultural group in Adadia, Uruan Local Government Area. The study aims to explore the historical roots, musical elements, social functions, and contemporary relevance of Akata music within the community. Through a combination of ethnographic research methods including participant observation, interviews, and audiovisual documentation, the research delves into the traditional practices associated with Akata music. It investigates the performance styles, musical instruments used, lyrical content, and the role of musicians within the cultural group. By engaging with members of the community and music practitioners, the study provides insights into the significance of Akata music in the daily lives and ceremonial events of the Ibibio people. Furthermore, the research examines the social functions of Akata music within the community. It explores how the music is used to communicate cultural values, pass down oral traditions, and foster social cohesion among community members. Additionally, the study investigates the role of Akata music in rites of passage, festivals, and other communal activities, shedding light on its importance in shaping social identities and strengthening community bonds. Moreover, the research project highlights the contemporary relevance of Akata music in the face of modernization and cultural change. By exploring how the traditional music form has evolved over time and adapted to new contexts, the study underscores the resilience and adaptability of Akata music in preserving the cultural heritage of the Ibibio people. It also considers the challenges and opportunities faced by practitioners in safeguarding and promoting Akata music in the present-day socio-cultural landscape. In conclusion, this research project contributes to the documentation and understanding of the practices and functions of Akata music within the Akata cultural group in Adadia, Uruan Local Government Area. By examining the historical roots, social functions, and contemporary relevance of Akata music, the study illuminates the cultural significance of this musical tradition in the preservation of Ibibio heritage and identity.

Project Overview

INTRODUCTION

1.1     Background of the Study

Ibibio is the core ethnic group in what is now known as Akwa Ibom State. The Ibibio are believed to be of the Bantu stock. Their language is Ibibio. They have two main seasons in a year: the dry season and rainy season. Their traditional occupations include farming, hunting, carving raffia works, local art and craft as well as other in door games.

The Ibibio are long religious. They worship the Supreme Being (Abasi Ibom) and they believe in life after death (reincarnation) and spiritism. Their minor deities are Ekpo, Ndem, Ibok, etc. They rely on numerous traditional ceremonies like new yam festival, traditional marriage (Usọrọ Ndọ), harvest festival (usọrọ Idọk) and so on, for spiritual rejuvenation. They also believe in superstition, divination, rituals, myths, oracles, and a lot more.

The Ibibio have one of the most ancient writings “Nsibidi”. The Ibibio, according to Ukpong (2001),“generally have a low lying topography with a few hills around Itu in the North and Oban in the East, Ukpong also states that Ibibio is the largest ethnic group in Nigeria after Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo.

The Ibibio are governed by traditional institutions like Ekpe, Idiong, Akata, etc. These groups use music as one of their media of communication, and historical store house. Ibibio songs serve as historical documents and as a means of communication (Udo, 1983). This simply explains that Akwa Ibom State is a state with abundant cultural heritage.

In Akwa Ibom State, there are many cultural groups. There are about two or more of such groups in each of the local government areas. Some of these groups are gender-related; that is, some of them are purely male cultural groups and some are purely for women only. Among the male dominated groups include Akata cultural group or society. It is a secret society, and one way of identifying it is through its masquerade play, in which all the initiate members participate.

Akata is perhaps one of the widely accepted Ibibio cultural groups in Akwa Ibom State. It could be best described as a socio-cultural organisation whose functions are to perform songs of social control mostly at night and reported social misbehaviours with a view to sanitising the society, among others. Traditional Akata is performed only at night by members who are all male as being practised in Adadia in Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.



1.2     Problem of the Study

  Music and dance are the fabric of every social activity of the Ibibio. Ibibio also believe in decent living, that is, not engaging in acts that tarnish her image and reputation. However, these are seriously threatened by rapid social change, especially their values, attitudes, ideas, beliefs, technology, and institutions. These changes, as a result of Western education, technological development, and alien musical cultures pose serious threat on the survival of Akata traditional music and performance. Hence, Akata music needs to be conserved through documentation. Moreso, for Akata music to survive the changing times, it must change, but in changing, it must retain elements of its essence so that it is not mistakably perceived otherwise. Thus, this study was to investigate and document Akata and its music.



1.3     Purpose of the Study

  The study was primarily designed to investigate and document the Akata music of the Adiadia people of Uruan Local Government Area. Aside this, the specific purposes set for the study include:



1.4     Significance of the Study

This study will be of significant value in the following ways:



1.5     Research Questions



1.6     Scope of the Study

  This study was on Akata cultural group in Adadia, Uruan Local Government Area. It examined the performance practices and songs used by this group.