ChoralEd, Performing Choral Music – Nigeria – Jude Nwankwo

In a recent ChoralEd episode, host Micah Bland sat down with Jude Nwankwo, a distinguished Nigerian composer and choral director, to explore the vibrant world of Nigerian choral music. For those outside of the culture, approaching this music can feel daunting, but as Nwankwo explains, with a little research and a lot of respect, it’s a rewarding experience for any choir.

One of the most immediate and defining characteristics of Nigerian choral music is its inseparable connection to rhythm and movement. In the Igbo culture, for instance, the word “Egwu” encapsulates music, dance, and play, highlighting their unified nature. As Nwankwo notes, the rhythm of the music naturally inspires movement, and the specific style of dance is deeply rooted in the traditions of the tribe or culture from which the song originates.

When it comes to instrumentation, there’s a fascinating collaborative spirit at play. Many Nigerian composers focus solely on the choral parts, leaving the instrumental accompaniment to the performers. This choice is often guided by the traditional instruments of the song’s culture, making the performers collaborators in the compositional process.

Locating works by Nigerian composers can be difficult as most are not published. As a result, directors should contact composers directly to acquire works. Suggested composers and resources include

• FILM – Forum for the Inculturation of Liturgical Music
• Koral Nigeriana
• Ayọ̀ Olúrántí
• Thomas King Ekundayo Phillips
• Harcourt Whyte
• Fela Sowande
• Laz Ekwueme
• Ayo Bankole
• Michael Uzomah
• Ferdinand Muogbo
• Okechukwu Ndubuisi
• Jude Nnam

The journey into Nigerian choral music is one of discovery, collaboration, and cultural appreciation. By taking the time to understand the traditions behind the music, choirs can offer their audiences a truly authentic and moving experience.