Indigenous Music Practices in Ogoni Communities: Its Impact on the Rivers Culture

Indigenous music serves as a cultural expression rooted in the traditions, values, and identity of local communities. This paper examines the impact of urbanization on the Bari Bii music group, a long-standing indigenous music ensemble from the Ogoni communities in Khana Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. Historically, all communities within Khana participated in this musical tradition. However, increased migration particularly of youth and elderly men to urban centers due to economic pressures and religious influences (notably Christianity) has led to a decline in local participation. As a response, a coalition of communities such as Beri, Knog, Kor, Bianu, Bua, Dubulo, Kaani I and Kaani II and Babee formed a centralized Bari Bii group to preserve this heritage. The study employed oral interviews with migrated members and reviewed relevant literature, including journals, magazines, and conference papers. Findings reveal that urban migration is primarily driven by economic hardship and religious shifts. The study recommends strategic rural development and cultural preservation policies to reduce migration and safeguard indigenous musical traditions.