Indigenous Social Music Gala

By BOLA OGUNTOLA

As part of celebrations to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON), an indigenous social music night came up recently at the Agip Recital Hall, Muson Centre, Lagos.
The event commenced with a speech by Mr. Akinteye, Managing Director Integrated Microfinance Bank (IMBF) sponsors of the programme. He centered his address on the topic 'Stimulating Small Businesses' thereby shedding light into his organisation's projects which have been conceived to help expand small businesses.
The indigenous social music fiesta began with a two-part poetic dance-drama titled 'Akoda Aseda'. The play takes its setting from the Yoruba culture precisely focusing on Lagos State. The Muson stage was decorated with calabashes, gongo and drums to represent the culture of Lagosians.
The narrator, Mr. Olaitan Otulana, came on stage to introduce the play amidst chanting and drumming. The play is embedded with dramatic elements like call and response, chorus and dances; the dances were well choreographed alongside dancers who expressed the different mannerisms appropriately imitating some living patterns of the people like fishing. The drum beats and dancers expressive body movements gave intense interpretation to the drama. The play was seasoned with fusions of contemporary beats like Fuji and hip-hop mixed with traditional rhythms. Traditional drumbeats of the lead drummer Ayan on 'Iya Ilu', 'Omele' and 'Sekere' alongside other drummers produced fast tempo afrobeats to which Alomole mimicked Fela's dance steps.
In a particular scene traditional cult members, all dressed in white costumes, beads, horsetails and walking sticks, performed a song titled Isese Lababo meaning one should worship his or her ancestry/culture. Here mime was employed. The cult leader was chanting while another member assumed the role of interpreter. Ayan came back to thrill the audience but as he beat on the drums, other drummers interpreted the message. At a point, Ayan involved the audience and they responded to his melody with gusto. Throughout the play, the versatile actors were able to transform from one dance movement into another gracefully. Different dances patterns were showcased like Badagry dance, Eyo dance alias Eko special, Eleja dance from Lagos, Ikorodu division and Ayan. In the Eyo scene, there was a lot of improvisation used especially when singers came out boats and the hunters came up with improvised implements.
Theatrical elements were also used to enhance the beauty of the play and create spectacle on stage. Strobe light was used in the cult scene.
The night of drama was interesting and fulfilling so much that when the curtains dropped, the audience could not believe it. There were cries of encore; they wanted more.
On the flip side, the actors did very poorly in projection; most times it was difficult to pick out their dialogue clearly. Furthermore, the drummers did not reduce the tempo of their melody while the actors delivered their lines. Sometimes in the play, the songs were disjointed with chorus backstage.
Also, the heavy cultural dialogue may have been a challenge for the white audience at the event. They might have enjoyed themselves but the play's message would be lost on them. During the Eyo scene, it was observed that the dancers were dressed in Benin costumes. However, while speaking with National Mirrror MIRROR, the Director; Mr. Adeshina Elegbeda said this signifies inter-cultural relationship showing the influence of Benin on the Yoruba people which brought about mix marriage between the two tribes.
Akoda Aseda is a two-part drama with songs and poetry.
Akoda supervises the choosing of heads of hierarchy. The sixteen chosen heads survive various tests, affirming that they are indeed worthy of being selected. There is happiness and excitement during the Dance of Triumph which follows and Esu enters to monitor proceedings. Ironically, he is not quite the evil character he is reputed to be; rather Esu is a fascinating character, able to do both evil and good. It is prudent though to keep him at arms length; to appease him when angry and certainly not to dare him as he definately will take on any challenger. He is very wise in the way of the world. A freak accident survivor emerges from outer space, who of course hardly understands the World he has broken into but judges every action by his standards. Only Esu is capable of handling him and treating him the way he really deserves. With the BOAT REGETTA MIME, the SEA-LORDS (the travellers from Benin) and the LAND LORDS (original settlers in Lagos) come into contact for the first time.
ASEDA:
The landlords and the sea lords attain a common ground and there follows a jostling of wits and muscles. An Oba-elect emerges from this battle using his brain and the assistance of Ifa Oracle to secure victory. He is crowned and led through the appropriate rituals of coronation.
EKO SPECIAL/EYO
It is a social dance from the Lagos Island division of Lagos State. It is also a medley of songs about Lagos with special features of Eyo masquerade. Eyo masquerade is the white garment masquerade from the Lagos Island. Eyo is used for celebrations usually during the demise of a king, important personality or during the coronation of a king.
ELEJA DANCE
Eleja dance is a fisherman dance from Lagos, Epe and Ikorodu Divisions. With the aquatic nature of Lagos, fishing is the main occupation of the people around its riverine areas.
AYAN SOLO
The word Ayan connotes drums. Ayan solo is a medley of traditional drums beaten by only one person.