Integration of Hausa Traditional Architecture in the Development of Abuja: A Methodological Approach (Published)
Citation: Tanimu Adamu Jatau Noma, Ali F. Bakr and Zeyad M. El Sayad (2022) Integration of Hausa Traditional Architecture in the Development of Abuja: A Methodological Approach, International Journal of African Society, Cultures and Traditions, Vol.10, No.1, pp.27-38,
Abstract: The development of urban areas is a discourse that has been on-going particularly in Abuja, Nigeria where different modern styles of architecture have emerged in recent years. Yet little is done in the adoption of traditional architecture into the present needs. Therefore, this paper presents the potentials of Hausa traditional architecture, in terms of how architecture still adopts to the various impacts of modernization. A literature-based discourse is pursued in this study. The main keywords are expanded to argue the adaptation of Hausa traditional architectural styles into the present need for development in urban areas. Findings here suggests traditional architecture adapts better to the present developmental needs and the local materials used are less expensive, durable, cost effective. Furthermore, the findings are expected to spur developers as well as the different development control agencies particularly in Abuja to develop models for infrastructural developments. It ends with a discourse that integrates Hausa traditional architecture with urban development.
Keywords: Abuja, Architecture, Hausa, Integration, Traditional, Urban
Exploring the different vernacular architecture in Nigeria (Published)
This paper focuses on vernacular architecture and the various vernacular architecture in existence in Nigeria. Nigeria as a country is heterogeneous in both its socio-cultural structure and ideological perspective because of its ethnic diversity. This study therefore examines the vernacular architecture of Nigeria with focus on the three major ethnic groups which are the Hausa’s in the Northern Nigeria having Hausa Vernacular Architecture, the Yoruba’s in the South-Western Nigeria having Yoruba Vernacular Architecture and the Igbo’s in the South-Eastern Nigeria having Igbo Vernacular Architecture with focus on their culture, region and identity in order to have a proper perspective on the vernacular architecture of Nigeria. The vernacular architecture of the different ethnic groups in Nigeria are reflected through their culture, region and identity. Ethnic groups with similar culture, region and identity share similar architectural characteristics as it relates to their building layout, size of family, space organization, openings and fenestration, decorations used, roofing type adopted as well as the nature of Building materials used. As such, this paper suggest the classification of the vernacular architecture in Nigeria be considered from the cultural, regional and identity aspect due to the environmental, cultural and historical background in which vernacular architecture exist.
Keywords: Architecture, Culture, Nigeria, Traditional, Vernacular
SNAIL SHELL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC: A DYING MUSICAL HERITAGE IN GHANA (Published)
The purpose of this study was to explore the use of the snail shell in making music in Ghana and to interrogate the problem of what scholars of African music in Ghana are doing about the threat to extinction of some of their traditional music. The theoretical framework of the study which was based on the problem of meaning in African music (Nketia, 1976, 1973, 1962) favoured the integrated approach to the problem of meaning. Using the qualitative research paradigm, the study obtained specific data on the values, opinions, behaviours and social contexts within which the musical performances took place. It was discovered that the Axim Nwaba instrumental group was formed in 1972 but disintegrated in 1993 as a result of competition from the local brass band. During a live performance by the group, all the children and many of the adults heard snail shell music for the first time in their lives. The findings on snail shell music at Axim have shown that the research efforts of scholars on traditional African music in Ghana are not being matched by the potentially vast world of available traditional Ghanaian music. A solution to this problem must be found within the expansion of traditional music archival resources in the country and the need to step up research work on traditional African music in Ghana.
Keywords: Dying, Instrumental Music, Musical Heritage, Nwaba Group, Shell, Snail, Traditional
SNAIL SHELL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC IN GHANA- A DYING MUSICAL HERITAGE (Published)
The purpose of this study was to explore the use of the snail shell in making music in Ghana and to interrogate the problem of what scholars of African music in Ghana are doing about the threat to extinction of some of their traditional music. The theoretical framework of the study which was based on the problem of meaning in African music (Nketia, 1976, 1973, 1962) favoured the integrated approach to the problem of meaning. Using the qualitative research paradigm, the study obtained specific data on the values, opinions, behaviours and social contexts within which the musical performances took place. It was discovered that the Axim Nwaba instrumental group was formed in 1972 but disintegrated in 1993 as a result of competition from the local brass band. During a live performance by the group, all the children and many of the adults heard snail shell music for the first time in their lives. The findings on snail shell music at Axim have shown that the research efforts of scholars on traditional African music in Ghana are not being matched by the potentially vast world of available traditional Ghanaian music. A solution to this problem must be found within the expansion of traditional music archival resources in the country and the need to step up research work on traditional African music in Ghana.
Keywords: Dying, Instrumental Music, Musical Heritage, Nwaba Group, Shell, Snail, Traditional