The Role of Ibibio Traditional Music in Social-Cultural and Economic Development in Nigeria: A Panacea to the Ibibio in Diaspora

Abstract

This study investigates the multifaceted utility of Ibibio traditional music as a catalyst for socio-cultural cohesion and economic advancement within Nigeria, specifically evaluating its efficacy as a cultural ‘panacea’ for the Ibibio population in the diaspora. Despite the pervasive influence of globalization and Western musical hegemony, Ibibio indigenous music remains a foundational pillar of identity, serving as a repository for historical narratives, moral codes, and linguistic heritage. Employing a qualitative research design rooted in ethnomusicological field observations and content analysis of folksongs, the paper examines how traditional genres, such as Mbopo, Ebreand Ekpofunction as instruments of social control and community mobilization.The findings reveal that beyond its ritualistic functions, Ibibio music offers significant economic potential through the creative arts entrepreneurship and cultural tourism sectors. For the diaspora, these musical traditions transcend geographical boundaries, providing a psychological anchor and a reconnection tool that mitigates cultural alienation. The study argues that the systematic documentation and digitalization of these oral traditions are essential for their survival in a globalized digital economy. It concludes that the strategic integration of Ibibio musical heritage into educational curricula and international cultural exchange programs can foster sustainable development. By repositioning indigenous music as a viable economic asset rather than a relic of the past, the Ibibio people can leverage their cultural capital to enhance national development and maintain a robust link with their global community