ANALYSIS OF EDI EDISE: A COMPOSITION FOR AFRICAN ORCHESTRA

Abstract

This work is an original composition for African orchestra. It is a composition for African
musical instruments particularly found in Annang land of Akwa Ibom State and its analysis.
In African orchestra, there are categories of instrumental combinations. This paper focuses
on the combination of melodic and percussive instruments and with peculiar rhythms found
in Annang land. It takes into account the rich rhythms of Annang people of Nigeria as would
be used in this original instrumental composition to exhibit the rhythms of Africa. The
method involved in this study includes library review, collection of discography, selection of
some traditional instruments, watching and analysis of life performances of Annang music
ensembles, and transcribing the various rhythms found therein. The study seeks to bring to
the fore, through an instrumental composition, the rich rhythms of Annang people. Various
traditional musical instruments are selected for this purpose to form an African orchestra.
This will truly create an identity for Africa in general and Annang in particular thus will
make known Annang rhythms to the world adding to the knowledge base for musicologists,
rhythms of Annang people. This orchestral piece can be used for study and performance of
African rhythms, for entertainment and at concert halls.