Drum Communication: Importance of Drum/Drumbeats in the Opu Ekine Sekiapu Dance of Nembe, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Abstract:

The Opu Ekine Sekiapu dance is a traditional art form that is deeply embedded in the cultural and social identity of the Nembe people. This dance features intricate and rhythmic drumming, which plays a vital role in the overall performance. The objective of the study is to explore the significance of drums and drumbeats in the Opu Ekine Sekiapu dance of Nembe, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The study adopted the Syncopation: unifying musical theory and perception, and the embedded cognition theory. The study uses a purposive non-probability sampling technique and employs a mixed method approach, and utilizes the survey with a questionnaire and focus group discussions as data collection instruments. The findings reveal that in the Opu Ekine Sekiapu dance, the drum serves primarily as a communication tool. The drumbeat plays a critical role by determining pace, dance steps, and rhythm for the dancers' movements and performances. The study thus highlights the essential role of drums and drumbeats in the Opu Ekine Sekiapu dance of Nembe, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. It deepens our understanding of the cultural heritage and significance of this traditional dance form.