ANALYSIS OF BÈMBÉ MUSIC OF OBÀFÈMI OWÓDÉ COMMUNITY, OGUN STATE SOUTH WEST NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper examined the structural forms of Bèmbé music in Obàfèmi Owódé local government
area of Abeokuta in Ògùn State. It also investigated the content and context of Bèmbé musical
performance among the people with specific reference to rituals. The study equally examined the
musical instruments used in Bèmbé musical performance and categorised them under the Sachs
and Honbostel system of classification. The performances of the Arífáyò family band were
recorded and their songs randomly selected then subsequently analysed after the collection of
relevant data from the field. Through detailed analysis, the study reveals salient elements of call
and response with varied improvisations used in the music. It also established the multiple
function of music performance in the context of social interaction and religious experience.