- Engage youths on need to preserve, promote heritage
THE National Museum of Unity, Ibadan, in collaboration with the French Institute for Research in Africa (IFRA-Nigeria), has successfully hosted a dialogue on traditional music and dance under the Nigerian Alternative Heritage Programme.
The event, which brought together esteemed scholars, cultural enthusiasts and distinguished guests, was aimed to explore the significance of traditional music and dance in Nigerian culture and identity.
The dialogue also sought to address the challenges of preserving and promoting these cultural expressions in a rapidly develop world.
The dialogue featured two distinguished discussants: Dr. Olaolu Adekola, an ethnomusicologist from the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, and Mr Yomi Ladipo, son of the legendary Duro Ladipo.
Their presentations provided valuable insights into the evolution and significance of traditional music and dance in Nigerian culture.
Dr. Adekola’s presentation took the audience on a journey through the rich history of traditional music and dance in Nigeria. With his extensive knowledge of ethnomusicology, he highlighted the various influences that have shaped the country’s musical and dance traditions.
Painting a clear picture on the topic, Dr. Adekola’s presentation provided a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of traditional music and dance in Nigeria from the ancient kingdoms of the Yoruba and Igbo to the modern-day fusion of traditional and contemporary styles.
“The context of traditional music and dance has gone beyond what it’s used to be. There are new contexts for the performance. This is made possible through the dynamic nature of the culture.
“There is now business opportunity for young Nigerians who want to explore their entrepreneurial skills in music production and distribution on streaming platforms such as spottily, fusion of traditional music with modern music to produce new music trend, music producction.”
Mr Yomi Ladipo’s presentation took the audience to the world of stage performing where he did not only entertain but also educate the attendees through the transition of his musical instrument, dance and songs-lyrics to show how he has been preserving cultural heritage through music and dance.
Ladipo’s presentation was a personal and professional reflection on the significance of traditional music and dance in Nigerian culture. As the son of the legendary Duro Ladipo, Mr. Ladipo drew from his family’s rich cultural heritage to illustrate the importance of preserving traditional music and dance, highlighting the need for continued efforts to preserve and promote cultural expressions.
The presentations by the duo provided valuable insights into the evolution and significance of traditional music and dance in Nigerian culture.
The audience gained a deeper understanding of the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria and the importance of preserving traditional music and dance for future generations.
The dialogue also highlighted the need for continued efforts to promote and preserve Nigerian culture, and the role that individuals and institutions can play in this endeavor.
Read Also: Wike in Italy, secures vocational training institute for FCT
According to the Curator of the National Museum of Unity Ibadan, Mrs Pamela Oriyomi Otuka “Our heritage is not merely a relic of the past; it is a dynamic force that actively shapes our identity and future.
“We must take decisive action to preserve it and ensure its vitality for generations to come.”
In his remarks, the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, and Ho spoke eloquently on the significance of Yoruba cultural identity and the need to promote it to the later enjoined all and sundry to prioritise culture in all they do because it is the only thing that preserve, promote and celebrate the people.
He thanked the organisers for a well conceptualised programme that is not only people oriented but also create a platform to engage youth who are the generation that will pass on the culture to the unborn generation.
Olatunbosun called on the Director-General of the National Commission for Museum and Monument to give more support to the Curator of the National Museum of Unity Ibadan, Mr Pamela Otuka who have redefined museum promotion and youth engagement.
He appealed to the museum authorities to provide more strategic and logistic that will help the museum to support more programmes.
“The museum needs vehicle and other things to enable them meet up their mandates of taking the museum campaign to the people.”
Also speaking at the event, Dr Barbara Morovich, Director of IFRA-Nigeria, who was represented by Dr Delphine Manetta, Deputy Director, said they are delighted to welcome the audience to the second edition of the event.
According to her “This event is the result of the collaboration between the Museum of Unity of Ibadan and IFRA-Nigeria, the French Institute of Research in Africa. But I must also say that the credit for today’s event goes entirely to Mrs. Oriyomi Pamela Ouka, the curator of the museum, Mrs. Christiana Alagbe, her invaluable right-hand woman, and Mrs. Adejoke Rafiat Adetoro, the IFRA’s coordinator.
“Together, we decided to set up a FEF project to promote and study Nigerian alternative heritages. We say alternative because they are being neglected.
“With this in mind, we organised our first event together, focusing on pottery-making. Akinpotter, the artist of that first event, did us the pleasure of coming today.
“This event brings another neglected heritage into the spotlight: music and dance. Two facilitators will help us to understand this heritage from a scientific and artistic point of view.
“Dr Olaolu Emmanuel Adekola, a specialist of African musicology at the University of Ibadan, and Oluyomi Duro Ladipo, a multi-talented performing artist who has come with his musicians and dancers.”
and then