The quest for diversity in Western art music has led to the influx of ‘Westernized’ African music into the choral canon, albeit tagged as ‘world music’. This approach to the inclusion of diverse repertoire has led to the homogenization of indigenous
African folk tunes by non-indigenous composers, thus creating Western-sounding African music.
In this episode, we cover more than just the “how to.” We discuss issues of diversity and access, and the possibility that many popular approaches to these ideals are counterproductive. We also discuss the peculiar and reductive ways that we in the Western World discuss diversity while using extremely reductive terms like broad skin color categories, and continents of origin etc. After all, if we use reductive terms like “African” music, we are missing out on most of the beautiful diversity that the vast continent of Africa has to offer.
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Ebuka suggests a helpful, easy to remember framework he calls the “3 Re-s.” Resource-Research-Resolve. We discuss the mistakes many directors make along this continuum as it applies to the Music of Sub-Saharan African musical traditions as well as music of any culture that is not our own.
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Ebuka Ezeakacha, born on February 4, 1988, is a Nigerian-American Choral Conductor and Composer. As the fourth of five siblings and the youngest of four boys, he developed a passion for music early in life. Currently pursuing his doctoral studies in Choral Conducting at the University of Oklahoma, he combines his academic pursuits with his role as the Choir Director at the First Unitarian Church of Oklahoma City.
Ebuka is a devoted advocate for accessible and inclusive programming of Indigenous African Choral Music, aiming to bridge cultural gaps and celebrate the rich musical heritage of the continent. Beyond his choral expertise, he applies his talents as a part-time audio/visual editor and producer, proficient in tools such as Adobe Audition, Adobe Premiere Pro, and FL Studio.
His educational journey includes a Bachelor’s degree in Theater Arts from Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Nigeria, a Master’s degree in Communication from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and a Master’s in Choral Conducting from the University of Oklahoma. In addition to his professional pursuits, Ebuka is a loving husband and father to an incredible boy, with the anticipation of welcoming a beautiful girl as the family expands. His commitment to music, cultural inclusivity, and family exemplifies a harmonious blend of professional and personal achievements.
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Bruce Simonson says
Interesting podcast. Thank you. Makes me wonder what “North American” music is.
Chris Munce says
Of course, resources exist for that as well! But, the short answer would be to consider the geography. The Sahara creates a natural barrier between the North and the South of Africa. Culture, language, music and art etc. has been separated for centuries. In many ways including music, North Africa shares more with the Middle East than it does with Sub-Saharan Africa. On the podcast feed, you can also find Ethiopian musical philosopher Teodros Kiros in episode 73. A fascinating discussion.