THE RHYTHMIC SENSIBILITY OF AFRICAN FOLKSONGS: THE CASE OF LULLABIES IN IGBO CULTURE

Résumé

The greatest attribute of African music lies in its rhythmic applications. Through the rhythmic configuration of a particular music, an ethnic identity is established. That is to say, apart from language, rhythm is another factor that situates or gives bearing to a given culture. It is through the rhythm that one would be able to distinguish Zulu music from Caribbean, Igbo music from Yoruba, or War music from Ritual and so on. The sensibility of a rhythm depends largely on the usages, functions and values which it is meant to address. In African culture, the more complex a rhythm is, the more vigorous its performance but that does not imply increase in the value people attach to such music. African music is basically appreciated in both content and context. A ritual music that utilizes few musical instruments and thus produces less complex rhythm may provoke greater aesthetic appeal in society than age-grade ensemble with many instruments meant for entertainment. This paper critically looked at the rhythmic applications as it applies to lullabies in Igbo culture using few examples for illustration. It also tried to find out the aesthetic values that inform their sensibility which invariably validate their cultural relevance and acceptability among the Igbo. This investigation applied practical experiences, use of interviews and other related resource materials as working tools. It was discovered that the flow and or the application of rhythms is at times shaped by cultural stipulations which are translatable to a given mathematical quantity and which proper coordination brings about the beauty of performance and appreciation.