National Museum of Unity Hosts Dialogue on Traditional Music and Dance.
By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju
The Curator of the National Museum of Unity, Oriyomi Otuka, emphasised the importance of preserving Nigerian cultural heritage through a collaborative project with the French Institute for Research (IFRA-Nigeria).
This project, known as the Alternative Nigeria Heritage FEF Project, aims to raise awareness about Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
At a one-day dialogue tagged “Traditional Music and Dance” for schools in Oyo State, Otuka explained that the project seeks to reveal marginalised objects, attract more visitors to the museum, and encourage interaction with exhibits.
This initiative transforms the museum into an inclusive and vibrant cultural center.
The dialogue focused on fostering deepened knowledge of tangible and intangible cultural heritage through engaging conversations.
Otuka highlighted that intangible cultural heritages, such as sports, crafts, festivals, drama, music, and dance, possess elements of material culture that serve as vehicles for their expressions.
Among the over 2,500 collections of objects at the museum, there is a section dedicated to musical equipment, showcasing a variety of instruments from different groups in Nigeria.
Otuka noted that music and dance share a unique relationship, with musical instruments serving as the basis for dance.
Nigeria is home to a diverse array of dance forms, each reflective of its various cultures. Notable examples include the Minago dance from Plateau, the Udje dance practiced by the Urhobo people, and the Bata dance from Yoruba.
Dr. Delphine Manetta, IFRA-Nigeria representative, commended the collaboration between the Museum of Unity of Ibadan and IFRA-Nigeria. She acknowledged the efforts of Otuka, Mrs. Christiana Alagbe, and Ms. Adejoke Rafiat Adetoro in organising the event.
The event featured facilitators Dr. Olaolu Emmanuel Adekola, a specialist in African musicology, and Oluyomi Duro Ladipo, a multi-talented performing artist.
Some of the schools present included The Polytechnic Ibadan, University of Ibadan, and Lead City University.
