Ekpili

Ekpili music is also characterized by its lyrical content, which reflects the philosophical, social, and political views of the Igbo people.

• Name — Ekpili • Stylistic Origins — * Traditional Igbo folk music • Cultural Origins — 19th century Igbo Land • Other Topics — * Odumodu music • Ikorodo • Ikwokirikwo • Owerri Bongo

The timeline for the origins of ekpili is uncertain but some researchers have traced this style of music to the 19th century. Though the origins are unclear it is unanimously believed that this style of folk music has its origins within the Anambra Basin. Although ekpili is most associated with "Ubo" (a thumb piano) the name of the folk genre is taken from an instrument called "ekpili". The instrument was introduced into the genre by the earlier musicians of the genre. Further characteristics of ekpili include solo performance singing with a form of call and response chorus style which comes in at intervals. Ekpili is specific in the sense that the genre isn't crowded with so many instruments with the main focus being the vocals which narrates important messages for listeners. This style of Igbo folk genre is often described as "Akuko-na-egwu" (Story-in-music) in which the artist narrates a story in musical form with occasional instrumental interludes. Storytelling in the genre is often organized in a way in which an artist starts with the topic of the song and moves further into the story, goes back to the topic, and continues with the remainder of the story.