The efficacy of Ukwuani indigenous music in the Anglican Diocese of Ndokwa, Nigeria

Music is a global phenomenon that is integral to humanity; it is embedded in the cultural life of people as expressed in their norms, values and beliefs. Indigenous music in the church is religiously controlled and normally used to convey important social, moral and spiritual values. This paper focuses on the efficacy of Ukwuani indigenous music in the Anglican Diocese of Ndokwa. It emphasises the relevance and significance of Ukwuani indigenous music in promoting social, moral and spiritual values to congregants. A special focus of this paper is Ukwuani indigenous music that is used in churches in the Anglican diocese in Ndokwa. The data are derived from personal observation primarily. The study applied the cultural theory in sacred musicology advanced by Adedeji, which considers cultural context and hermeneutics in understanding and application of theological/biblical and musical principles. It was observed that Ukwuani indigenous music brings the message to the grassroots in the area of language and building a relationship between worshippers and God. Ukwuani indigenous music encourages active participation in church activities and increase in church population. The paper recommends, among others, that English hymnals should be translated into Ukwuani language for proper understanding of the message in it, and that enough time should be assigned for Ukwuani music in church services.