This paper gives a deep insight into the dynamics of the traditions that brought about the concert party in West Africa. It traces the origins of the tradition from Nigeria and Ghana, cutting across other West African countries using the selected texts to give a deeper understanding of the impact of the concert theater which has been modified into different formats into films and cinemas today. It goes a long way to show how far this form of entertainment has been modified and grown today in our society, which goes a long way to show as evident for the multiplicity of this medium into different forms of entertainment as had brought this region into limelight in the world scene.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- The Concert Tradition in West Africa: A Study of Selected Texts
- Thematic Concerns of the Concerts
- Styles in the Concerts
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This study aims to examine the origins and development of the concert tradition in West Africa, focusing on selected texts from Ghana and Nigeria. It explores the unique characteristics of this theatrical form, its relationship to indigenous oral traditions, and its evolution in response to economic, cultural, and political circumstances.
- The origins and evolution of the concert tradition in West Africa.
- The influence of Western and indigenous cultural elements on the concert form.
- The thematic concerns and stylistic features of West African concerts.
- The social and cultural functions of concert performances.
- The relationship between concert theatre and other forms of entertainment and performance.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The Concert Tradition in West Africa: A Study of Selected Texts: This introductory chapter establishes the context for the study, highlighting the diverse nomenclature surrounding West African concert theatre and emphasizing its deep roots in the oral traditions of the region. It explores the origins of the concert party in Ghana, tracing its development from school concerts to a professional, itinerant form of entertainment influenced by American vaudeville and the Negro minstrel shows. The chapter also introduces the Nigerian folk opera and its parallel evolution, noting the distinctive ways each developed in response to local circumstances.
Thematic Concerns of the Concerts: This chapter delves into the thematic content of the selected concert texts. It explores how the concerts reflect Ghanaian and Nigerian society, addressing topics such as social issues, cultural values, and everyday life. The didactic and satirical elements woven into the comedic performances are analyzed, highlighting the social commentary and moral instruction embedded within the entertainment. The chapter also connects these themes to broader social and historical contexts, emphasizing the role of the concert as a reflection of cultural identity and change.
Styles in the Concerts: This chapter focuses on the stylistic features of West African concert performances. It analyzes the fusion of music, dance, poetry, and drama, exploring the unique blend of indigenous and Western influences. The use of language, costumes, and musical styles is examined, highlighting how these elements contribute to the overall performance style. The chapter connects the evolution of these styles to wider social and artistic developments within the region, providing a detailed analysis of how the concert form adapted and evolved over time.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
West African concert tradition, Nigerian folk opera, Ghanaian concert party, oral traditions, theatre history, cultural performance, social commentary, satire, music, dance, comedy, indigenous theatre, colonial influence, popular culture.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Concert Tradition in West Africa: A Study of Selected Texts
What is the focus of this study?
This study examines the origins and development of the concert tradition in West Africa, specifically focusing on selected texts from Ghana and Nigeria. It explores the unique characteristics of this theatrical form, its relationship to indigenous oral traditions, and its evolution in response to economic, cultural, and political circumstances.
What are the key themes explored in the study?
The study explores several key themes, including: the origins and evolution of the West African concert tradition; the influence of Western and indigenous cultural elements; the thematic concerns and stylistic features of the concerts; the social and cultural functions of performances; and the relationship between concert theatre and other performance forms.
What specific aspects of the concert tradition are analyzed?
The analysis includes the origins of the concert party in Ghana, tracing its development from school concerts to a professional, itinerant form of entertainment. It also examines the parallel evolution of the Nigerian folk opera and the distinctive ways each developed in response to local circumstances. The study delves into the thematic content, reflecting Ghanaian and Nigerian society, including social issues, cultural values, and everyday life. It also analyzes the stylistic features, such as the fusion of music, dance, poetry, and drama, and the blend of indigenous and Western influences.
What is the significance of the concert tradition within West African society?
The study highlights the social and cultural functions of concert performances, analyzing the didactic and satirical elements woven into the comedic performances. It emphasizes the social commentary and moral instruction embedded within the entertainment and the role of the concert as a reflection of cultural identity and change.
What are the main stylistic features of West African concerts?
The study analyzes the fusion of music, dance, poetry, and drama in West African concert performances. It examines the unique blend of indigenous and Western influences, focusing on the use of language, costumes, and musical styles and how these elements contribute to the overall performance style. The evolution of these styles in relation to wider social and artistic developments within the region is also explored.
What are the key terms associated with this study?
Key terms include: West African concert tradition, Nigerian folk opera, Ghanaian concert party, oral traditions, theatre history, cultural performance, social commentary, satire, music, dance, comedy, indigenous theatre, colonial influence, and popular culture.
What is covered in each chapter?
Chapter 1: Establishes the context, highlighting diverse nomenclature and deep roots in oral traditions. Traces development from school concerts to professional entertainment, influenced by American vaudeville and minstrel shows. Introduces Nigerian folk opera and its parallel evolution. Chapter 2: Delves into thematic content reflecting Ghanaian and Nigerian society, addressing social issues, cultural values, and everyday life. Analyzes didactic and satirical elements, highlighting social commentary and moral instruction. Connects themes to broader social and historical contexts. Chapter 3: Focuses on stylistic features, analyzing the fusion of music, dance, poetry, and drama and the blend of indigenous and Western influences. Examines language, costumes, and musical styles and connects the evolution of styles to wider social and artistic developments.
- Quote paper
- Obinna Solomon Nwachukwu (Author), 2018, Thematic Concerns of the Concert. Early Concert Tradition in West Africa, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/412018
