Umuada indigenous music in Ekwulobia community: Ethos and the need for consolidation

Umuada which literally means sisters/daughters is a group in Igbo culture that incorporates every girl-child born in a community whether married or not. They play very important roles in the cultural, social, religious and other aspects of life in the community. The organization of umuada ranges from family, kindred, village to community levels. As women, singing is part and parcel of their daily activities. At each level, they engage in communal music making which features in most socio-cultural activities in the community. In recent times, some members of umuada have abstained from participating in their indigenous musical activities with the notion that these practices are fetish and are against their religious beliefs. This study amongst other things seeks to investigate the activities of umuada in Ekwulobia community, to analyze some of their music paying special attention to the messages of the songs. It also discusses the place of women in community development. Data for this study were gathered from personal experiences as an Ekwulobian by birth and an active member of umuada as well as from other secondary sources. This study reveals that the musical activities of the umuada plays valuable roles in social control and advances continuity of music making in the community. It also notes that the musical activities of the umuada are not fetish as often erroneously believed. It is thus suggested that for this musical tradition to stand the test of time, women should be encouraged to actively participate in it since it does not have any fetish attribute.