Observation

Candidates were attracted to this question; their responses were below average. This is due to candidates’ inadequate knowledge of Nigeria traditional musical types. They should have responded to the question in the following manners:

1. Atilogwu
1. Origin

It is a special kind of dance popular among the Igbo ethnic group, particularly the people from Anambra State. It is an Igbo term meaning ‘having magic”.  Atilogwu took several dancing styles from the ancient Igbo dances such as Anam, Ogwulogwu, Anaku, Ochanja and Adunjanja. These were dances used to commemorate wars and victory at different point. However, Atilogwu differs a bit because it requires acrobatic and quick body movements to perform it. 

2. Gender of performers at inception

Only male was performing it at inception, but nowadays, female dancers are also involved.

3. Any five instruments used

Opi/Oja, Ogene, Ekwe, Koikoi, Ngelenge/Ngedegwu, Udu, Igba, Ichaka   

4. Any four occasions for performance

Stool, festivals, state festivals, house warming, marriage ceremonies, cultural entertainments, durbar  , funeral

5. Any three costumes of the dancers

Body marks, handkerchiefs, head tie, jumpers, ankle rattles, hand fan

2. Bata
1. Origin

The music and dance of Bata is a ritual form of dance for Sango, a deity in Yoruba land. Sango was the king of the ancient Oyo Empire. It is a communicative dance between the worshipers and the deity.

2. Gender of performers  at inception  

Both male and female                                                                                            

3. Any five instruments used

Iya ilu, Kudi, Omele isaju, Omele ikeyin        

4. Any four occasions for performance

Cultural entertainments, political gathering, Sango worship, state festivals, Egungun worship, Oya worship.

5. Any three costumes of the dancers

Red (sometimes with white) attire, body marks, weaved hair, mortal, fire, armlet (Ifunpa), Sango staff (Ose Sango)

3. Swange

1. Origin

It is the name given to the traditional dance of the Tiv-speaking people of Benue State. It originated among the Tiv, Igala and Idoma people. It is made by a loud sound, aided by a traditional horn which blows in an unbroken succession for as long as the drumming, singing and dancing continue.  

2. Gender of performers at inception

Both male and female>

3. Any five instruments used

Bembe, Goje, Alghaita, Kalangu, Ganga, Gbande drums, Gida, Keen (Gong)

4. Any four occasions for performance

Stool festivals, State festivals, Outdooring/House warming, Marriage ceremonies, Durbar, Cultural entertainments, Political gatherings.

5. Any three costumes of the dancers

Horse tail, white and black attire (cap, singlet, wrapper) for male
Headtie,  top dress, wrapper for female.