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Music of the Idoma of Nigeria: Ediigwu Sings the Ancient Songs of Oturkpo, Nigeria

Ediigwu
Music of the Idoma of Nigeria: Ediigwu Sings the Ancient Songs of Oturkpo, Nigeria

The Idoma people of Nigeria allowed Prof. Robert G. Armstrong to record a ritual whose live performance is considered taboo except at funerals. For the wake, elderly women sing and play ichicha (large gourd rattles); there is also a dance circle with at least one man on an okanga(two-membrane drum). The wake lasts all night until the actual funeral, the Urchulo Nehi (Great Ceremony), the following noon.

Track Listing

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101
The Mask Prays Ediigwu 02:26
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102
Ichicha Songs Ediigwu 07:19
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103
Onugbu and Oko Ediigwu 01:57
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104
Journey to Igbira Ediigwu 11:10
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201
The Alekwu Prays Ediigwu 02:39
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202
The Alekwu and Chorus Ediigwu 12:25
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203
Ediigwu and Chorus Ediigwu 05:07