The Achukwu-Ogbaagu Music Cult Challenges with Christianity and Urbanization

Abstract

There are very few communities in the whole of Igbo land where the Ogbaagu masquerade cult still exists. This two hundred-year-old masquerade cult which is made popular chiefly by the music and dance has witnessed declining membership in the last thirty years. Yet the uncommon music of this cult has remained a symbol of identity for the community and her neighbors. In the face of the passion and nostalgia which the music evokes among the people, it is of great cultural significance to note that this purely African polyrhythmic music and dance may be heading for extinction. This research investigates the impact of two suspected agents of this cultural threat - Christianity and Urbanisation. These two become antithetical to both the music and its role among the community. Understanding this conflict and seeking for resolution is the aim of this work.