By Egwu George Chukwuemeka   Professional dancers like those from Nkwa Umuagbogho Dance Group require training to master the movements, rules and other skills needed for masterful execution of their presentation. The leader takes them through the necessary training directs the whole performance. He maintains eye-contact with the other performers where...

By Egwu George Chukwuemeka   The Role of the Director The role of the director in a traditional dance at this level of professionalism is crucial, though without the clarity of definition evident in modern theatre. The director in Nkwa Umuagbogho traditional dance is a performer who exhibits great artistry in the area of performance. There is no formal...

By Egwu George Chukwuemeka   Dance is an ancient and natural way of expressing physical emotion. The instinct for dancing is highly developed in most Africans. As G. T. Basden (1966:342) puts it: “There can be no question that dances in one form or another is by far the most popular and widely practiced of all recreations among Africans. Its fascination...

Written by Another Africa on March 4, 2011   The artistry of Nigerian Afikpo masks strikes a visual chord so clear and beautiful. Cultural anthropologist Dr. Simon Ottenberg documented the traditions of this region during the 1950′s – 60′s, that resulted in an in-depth book, ‘Masked Rituals of Afikpo: The Context of an African Art’ and archive of images now...

By Gabriel Mbey October 8, 2009 Continued from Part 4   When the playground was packed full of people, the women emerged in the centre with their musical instruments. When their music rent the air, it was received with mixed feelings. While one section of the people gave it approbation, it was repugnant to the others, who were mostly men who felt that it...

By Gabriel Mbey October 8, 2009 Continued from Part 3   Nkwa Nwite There is a general notion nowadays that Nkwa Nwite is elucidation, and in order to dispel this erroneous conception, it is pertinent to briefly explain what Nkwa Nwite is. But before this is done, it is necessary to look at its preamble. Ebu Mbe: There is a festival celebrated by Mgbom and Amuro...