The Musical Art Creativity and Contributions of Isaac Idamoyibo to Okpe Discourse

Abstract

The rise in the pursuit of knowledge and acquisition of training in Western art music has produced many competent Nigerian art musicians. The result of this training is seen in the steady efforts made by Nigerian art musicians, whose scholarly works are channelled into the global preservation and propagation of Nigerian indigenous music. Investigating indigenous theory and practices of diverse music and philosophy encompasses different genres in Nigeria’s milieu. The significant contributions of the Late Isaac Idamoyibo, like some other notable ethnomusicology composers, in discussing Okpe’s intangible musical heritage via his indigenous hymn compositions cannot be excluded from this scholarly achievement. This study examined some selected indigenous hymns, namely, “Sun Me,” “Odibo Omerhen“, Edon Aghogho”, and “Omo Imeri”, composed in Okpe socio-value imperceptible heritage by Isaac Idamoyibo. Findings revealed that the artistry continuum of Idamoyibo in composition has added to the scripted educational materials in Nigeria’s educational setting. The highlight of his remarkable scholarly studies on different aspects of the Okpe culture and its musical system remains one of the historical annals of the 21st century.