Value of Dirge in the Musical Culture of Communities: A Study of Arondizuogu

Abstract

Music is one activity that has continued to represent so many things to different people in different societies of the world. It presents itself in different styles and is used for different purposes. The mournful and slow type is often used in burials, funerals and spirit-cultural functions to depict the degree of reverence, attachment and affection to the parties involved in the ceremony. This paper examined the use of dirge in Arondizuogu South East Nigeria. It explained the several connections of the music to religious organizations as well as heathens and Christians who must use the music in appropriate circumstances not withstanding their faith. The paper relied on interviews and questionnaires as well as statistical techniques in analyzing the nature of the dance and the implication of participation thereof. It concludes that dirge is a unique song that could be danceable or otherwise but a required necessity in the passage of the soul to the great beyond. The paper recommends that people of all classes irrespective of race should pay attention to the lyrics, rhythm and voice of the music to appreciate the importance and participate actively as a means of respecting the dead and the God of the dead.