| 1 |
Author(s):
Emmanuel Obed Acquah, Stephen Nyanteh Ayesu.
Page No : 1-12
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Asanka Compositional Model: An Aid to Computer Assisted Guitar-Band Highlife Music Composition with “Battery 4” Virtual Studio Technology Instrument
Abstract
The paper aimed at developing a music compositional model, Asanka, for guitar-band highlife composition with BATTERY 4 VSTi whereby traditional sound elements in guitar-band highlife are retained.. In establishing the model, concept of African Guitarism, creative ethnomusicology theory and the model of creative thinking were reviewed. Guitar-band highlife music creation with asanka model through MIDI configuration will assist composers avoid overreliance of foreign sound libraries and rather, feature traditional musical elements in their computer-assisted highlife compositions. The use of the model recommends simulation of Ghanaian traditional sound patterns in BATTERY 4 VSTi from its natural setting for guitar-band music creations.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Justice Owusu-Ansah, Emmanuel Obed Acquah.
Page No : 13-25
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The Creation of Abelengro: A Cross-Cultural Art Music Composition
Abstract
Ethnomusicology has an important mission of providing a body of musical knowledge that can be drawn on by artist-composers, performers, dancers as well as scholars in the field of music. The paper therefore presents an outcome of a creative ethnomusicological study of abele music among the Yeji people of the Bono-East Region in Ghana. Using Euba’s theory of creative ethnomusicology and Nketia’s concept of syncretism, the study highlights the indigenous elements of abele musical genre and unearths the process where these elements were used to create a musical artefact called Abelengro. Data for the study were collected through observation and adopted definitive analysis to provide the materials for the composition. The study revealed that Abele music contains rich source materials for creating a neoclassicism of African traditional music that could be enjoyed by a wide range of people. It is envisaged that these rich indigenous musical elements and idioms are harnessed by contemporary art musicians to achieve the uniqueness of African identity in art music compositions in Ghana.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Dr. Nnaemeka Bennet Christian Dillon Okoye, Prof. Ikechukwu Onyegiri, Dr. Marcellinus Okafor.
Page No : 26-59
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Effect of Architectural Design Characteristics Affecting Design Simplicity on Affordability Improvement of Core Housing Schemes
Abstract
Studies identify that architectural design characteristics affecting design simplicity enhance core housing affordability. Effect of this attribute for affordability improvement, crucial in establishing design strategies for affordable low-cost urban homes, is lacking. Study examined this effect in Anambra State of Nigeria, using mixed method approach (primary data sourced from personal interviews, and questionnaire on 242 sampled residents from a 540 population. Using Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman’s Rank-Order correlation for analysis, all prototypes were found non-affordable, with p-value of 0.000 for significant variation for affordability. Significant relationship, strong and positive (p-value, 0.000; correlation coefficient 0.778), was established between architectural design characteristics affecting design simplicity and affordability. Recommendations for improving core housing affordability include: minimal floor area for initial unit (studio apartments for households earning below N161, 000 monthly, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom prototypes for those earning between N161, 000 and N200, 000); simple geometric plans; and local building materials for roof covering.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Dr. Nnaemeka Bennet Christian Dillon Okoye, Prof. Ikechukwu Onyegiri, Dr. Marcellinus Okafor.
Page No : 60-117
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Examining Design Simplicity in Architectural Design of Public Core Housing Schemes in Anambra State of Nigeria
Abstract
Studies identify dearth of affordable core houses for households who cannot afford whole houses. Architectural design characteristics affecting design simplicity have been found to positively influence core housing affordability. Despite this, documentation on whether design simplicity has been considered in the designs of existing core houses is lacking. This is required to check imputs in future designs. Study examined reflection of design simplicity in architectural design of existing public core housing schemes in Anambra State, Nigeria, using Mixed Method approach. Data were obtained from architectural drawings of existing prototypes, field observations and personal interview protocols. Observation schedules with “Yes” and “No” ratings were used in ascertaining reflection of the attribute in each of the 7 prototypes studied. It was found featuring only in 3 out of the 7 prototypes. For affordability improvement, the paper recommends inculcating the variables constituting design simplicity in future core housing design in Anambra State.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, Farouk Ibrahim Bibi-Farouk, Aliyu Isa Binmohammed.
Page No : 118-128
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Challenges of Democracy in Nigerian Local Government System: A Critical Analysis
Abstract
After two decades of the return to civil rule, the not too impressive scorecard of Nigerian democracy has raised concerns and questions demanding answers as to why the country is still struggling with the delivery of democratic governance and dividends such as; social welfare, justice, even-federal development as well as equal access to national resources. The paper inspects carefully, those factors that have and are hindering the success of democracy and democratic governance in Nigeria especially at the local government level. In doing this, related literatures were reviewed while the Structural Functionalist theory is adopted as the theoretical model or frame work and the collection of data was carried out through the secondary source. The study reveals that democracy in Nigeria especially at the local government level has not done up to its expectation due largely to corruption, partisan politics, upper governmental interference, lack of local government autonomy, among others. It therefore recommends that among other things, the local governments should be granted it constitutional autonomy in powers and functions, the fight against corruption should be stretched to the local government areas while Local government officials are made accountable to the local residence and that the leaders should be more ethical in their political pursue.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, Adie Edward, Nwokedi Lawretta Obiagelli.
Page No : 129-141
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China in Africa: Exploring the Dividends and the Challenges
Abstract
The study examined China’s presence in Africa, the warm reception it has received from African states into the continent, the benefits Africa stands to gain from the relationship as well as other emerging issues. In order to arrive at a reliable outcome, the work utilized descriptive research design and obtained data from secondary sources such as textbooks, journals, research articles, magazines, newspaper, the internet, etc. While the analysis of the data was enhanced through the tool of content analysis, the linkage approach, which emphasizes the important connection between the domestic factor and the states actions and decisions at the international scene, was adopted as framework for the study. In all, the findings suggested that there are a lot of benefits accruing to Africa as a result of its relation with China. These were highlighted and discussed under various headings covering investment, training and technology transfer, scholarship, free interest loans, forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCA), job creation and skill acquisition. The study also pointed out the flip sides of China’s engagement in Africa. These issues, which are also emerging, include: human right abuse, Job loss due to competition, spying accusation and loss of confidence in China, wrong political influence and the piling up of debt traps through interest free loans. Some recommendations were made to ensure that both parties – China and Africa- mutually benefit from this engagement. Thus: Efforts should be made to sustain the relationship in such a way that both sides can benefit mutually. This could be attained by being opened and transparent in all the dealings by both parties; African states should seize the current opportunity of their engagement with China to develop their needed infrastructure and acquire the necessary skills and knowledge for their economic and industrial growth because delay may be dangerous; China should write its name in the annals of African technological breakthrough history by genuinely transfer more technology to African for self-reliance and development; All the issues considered as flip side in this study must be looked into, especially the issues of human rights abuse, wrong political influence and piling up of debt for the unborn generations; Finally, we believe that there is no engagement anywhere in the world that is devoid of issues but the ability to resolve them is what defines the texture and the contour of such engagement. Therefore, they must work hard to settle any issue that may arise between them, including the spying allegation leveled against China.
