Theatrical music of Nigeria

The Nigerian theatre makes huge use of music. Frequently, this is simply folk music used in a theatrical production without change. Though, there are also different methods of music used in Nigerian opera. Here, music is used to pass an impression of the dramatic action to the spectator. Also music is used in literary drama, though its musical accompaniment is more carefully used than in opera; again, music passes the mood or tome of occasion to the listener. An instance is John Pepper Clark’s the Ozidi saga, a play that talks about the murder and revenge, featuring both human and non0human actors. Each character in the play is related with a personal theme song, which follows flights which the character is involved.

source of picture: saroterrakulture.blogspot.com

The traditional Nigerian theatre includes the puppet concerts in Borno state and among Ogoni and Tiv and the olden Yoruba Alaarnjo custom, which may be originated from the Euguugun masquerade. The arrival of the road-building colonial powers, these theatre groups spread over the country and their production increased and more elaborate. They currently use the naturally European instruments, film extracts and recorded music.

Previously both the Hubert Ogunde and Ade Love of blessed memories produced soundtracks of their movies using most rich Yoruba language. The new day Yoruba film and theatre music composers among whom is tope Alabi is the flagbearer who have differently accompanied dramatic actions with original music.