Ekpili (also known as Ekpiri, Egwu Ekpili, or Akuko-na-egwu) is a style of folk genre of music which has its origins from the Igbo people in the Southeastern part of Nigeria. This style of Igbo folk music is characterized by the musical instrument known as the Ubo (a thumb piano, also referred to as a thumb guitar), which the genre is most associated with. It is also played with Ichaka (gourd rattle) and the clave. Ekpili music is notable for its lyrical content, reflecting the philosophical, social, and political views of the Igbo people.
History/Etymology and Characteristics
The timeline for the origins of ekpili is uncertain, but some researchers trace it to the 19th century. Though its exact origin is unclear, it is generally believed that this style of folk music developed within the Anambra Basin. Although ekpili is strongly associated with the Ubo, the name of the genre actually comes from the instrument ekpili—a rattle made of large pods of the Uko tree strung together on a rope about a foot long.
Egwu Ekpili is common in the Anambra divisions of Igboland, particularly in towns such as: - Achala - Aguleri - Awkuzu - Nando - Nteje - Oba - Ugbene - Ukwulu - Onitsha
According to legend, it was people from these towns who received music from the songbird and spread it across Igboland.
Key characteristics of ekpili include: - Solo vocal performance with call-and-response chorus style. - Minimal instrumental presence, focusing on vocals and storytelling. - Often described as "Akuko-na-egwu" (Story-in-music), where the performer narrates a story musically with instrumental interludes. - A structured storytelling format: introduction of the topic, elaboration of the story, return to the topic, and conclusion.