GASPRO International Journal of Eminent Scholars

Abstract

In addition to the quality and beauty of Nigerian traditional music and the pleasure it conveys, the concept of musical aesthetics in Nigeria includes the functionalism of music. The aesthetic outlook therefore should be able to define the extent at which the music is able to enhance other activities associated with it. Nigerians, like other peoples of the black race or developing nations, are faced with numerous challenges that delay human development. Nigerian traditional music, although at one time or the other, presents some challenges to even the owners, can serve as a vital tool for development. On that basis, this paper sought to investigate the role of Nigerian traditional music in human development. Discussed in this paper are the role of music in social and cultural life of the people, morals, and economy. Others are music in education, health, emotion and, religion. The study employed the historical, sociological, anthropological and musicological tools which included bibliographic approach, participant-observation and interview techniques. The study revealed that Nigerian traditional music plays a vital role in human development and that, the different genres of music contribute greatly to the development of the nation as well. The study concludes that if the abundant traditional music resources in Nigeria are harnessed adequately, most of the human development and national challenges associated with music would be optimally tackled.

KEYWORDS: Traditional Music, Essential Tool and Human Development