Rethinking Indigenous Knowledge Systems In Children's Education: Efik And Igbo Folk Songs Perspectives Of Nigeria

Abstract

In the African traditional perspectives, music is posited as a medium of communication, education, training, history, sports, proverbs, food, environment, discipline, philosophies, and fosters general societal ideologies. However, several studies failed to unravel these facts. Therefore, this paper focuses on traditional Efik and Igbo folk songs of Southern Nigeria to buttress the multipurpose use assertions with content and context analysis of the songs. This study was based on edutainment theory, which aims to create an environment where learning becomes an enjoyable experience rather than a chore. Content analysis method identifies patterns, themes, meanings, concepts, and significant roles of the traditional Efik and Igbo folk songs of Southern Nigeria, while the context analysis involves examination of the circumstances, conditions, and background factors that influence the songs in broader contexts. The study of Efik and Igbo folk songs calls for urgent attention, so that they will not go into extinction. The survival of indigenous music is a collective role of every indigenous scholar, the government, and educational institutions through research to properly document the roles of traditional Efik and Igbo folk songs of the People of Southern Nigeria.