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71 

 

THE PRESERVATION OF SEVEN SELECTED MUSICAL 

INSTRUMENTS OF BARI BII MUSIC GROUP IN OGONI 

COMMUNITIES, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA 

 
 

Ezebube, Augustina Chizoba, PhD 

08037438142 

tinaezebube1969@gmail.com 

Department of Music 

Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt 

 

 

Abstract 

This paper focused on the seven choices of musical instruments selected by Bari Bii music 

group of Ogoni communities. Musical instruments are the engine room of any music group. 

The Bari Bii music group makes use of seven musical instruments namely two small size 

slit wooden drums (Akira), one big slit wooden drum (Kio), one single membrane drum 

(Kere), one big size metal gong (Gira) and one small size metal gong (Gira). These 

instruments play rhythmic, melo-rhythmic, timely important roles during performances, 

the instruments are classified under idiophone and membranophone families. The seven 

musical instruments are as old as the group and attention has not been paid on the 

selection of these instruments in Ogoni communities while their performances are 

enjoyed by the people. Most music groups preserve their musical instruments among 

themselves but the seven musical instruments of the Bari Bii music group are preserved 

in their spiritual father’s shrine (Amachree) for protection by the gods of the land. 

Information sources were based on observation, participation and print media such as 

books, journals and conference papers. Findings reveal that all the members of the group 

during rehearsals and their six months training learn how to play the seven musical 

instruments that is why they do not feel the absence of any member in their 

performances. Conclusion and recommendations were made for the improvement and 

preservation of Bari Bii seven musical instruments in Ogoni community. 

Key words:  Preservation, selected, instruments, communities, spiritual father, shrine 

 

Introduction 

Musical instruments in any cultural music group in Ogoni communities play important roles, 

without musical instruments in any performance to accompany the performers the 

performance will not be complete and without any bearing. Therefore, musical 

instruments are the main stream of any performance in the communities, it is used to 

create and enrich every musical activity in Ogoni communities. In a situation where there 

are no constructed musical instruments from local materials within the immediate 

environment, people improvise to form musical instruments like hand clapping, stamping 

of feet and the use of voice to form part or on the spot musical instruments.  Music 

making is a part of every ethnic society and music making is experienced from birth to 



 

 
  

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72 

death. In Ogoni community, as soon as a child is born, the new born baby is welcomed 

with music, women gather to sing and dance with or without traditional musical 

instruments; they improvise with their mouths, hands, legs even spatter to express their 

joy for the new born baby. 

 

Agu (2000) observes that: 

Nigerians are great lovers of music, who create and perform music to 

enrich every activity, ranging from birth to death. All musical creations 

serve specific purposes and all performances are carefully chosen to suit 

specified functions and activities appropriately (p. 79).  

Virtually all activities in Ogoni communities are accompanied with music and musical 

instruments ranging from birth, marriage, festivals, coronations, funerals, religious 

worship and cultural activities. Music performances in Ogoni communities start from 

infancy to adulthood, in the communities, children are involved in music making; through 

the construction of miniature instruments with materials found around them. During 

festive periods, they gather themselves and move from one community to another to 

make music with their musical instruments for cash reward. Agu (2017) supports that 

“children are initiated into active involvement in musical activities right from infancy 

within the ambit of the socio-cultural boundaries of each ethnic society.” (p. 20) In Ogoni 

communities, children come together to make music and this music makes them happy, 

sharpen and develop their sense of creativity and they see their instruments as a means 

of fun and relaxation and they also use their musical instruments as a medium of 

expression and communication. When these children make their own music sometimes, 

the adults hijack this music and form adult music cultural group for the entertainment 

of the community, the Bari Bii music group members started from childhood to play 

musical instruments in the community and this has contributed to their dexterity on the 

seven musical instruments at their adulthood. 

 

Odunuga (2009) asserts that “Music is functional to all human beings, animals too produce 

and enjoy music. Birds and snakes make music in one way or the other; music is seen as 

an integral part of human life” (p. 8). Music is synonymous with human beings, as soon as 

music is heard, it affects the psyche and emotions of any human and these are responded 

through nodding of the head, stamping of the feet, singing and dancing. The Bari Bii 

traditional musical instruments play unique roles both in the Bari Bii musical groups social 

performance and in other aspects that assist in the cultural performances of Ogoni 

communities. The instruments are used to draw attention and to perform other necessary 

functions that may not be connected to musical events, like public announcements, 

warning signals, communications, metaphoric instruments, scary instruments and also 

sensational instruments. 

 

Okafor (2005) confirms that: 

Musical instruments are the tools of a musician. African musical 

instruments are used primarily for making music but they also perform 

some special (extra musical) functions in the society. They are in daily use 

for rituals, spirit manifest dance, maiden’s dance, war dance, acrobatic 



 

 
  

Awka Journal of Research in Music and the Arts (AJRMA) Vol. 16, September 2023 

73 

displays, vocational dance, cult dance, recreational and ceremonial dance, 

for social entertainment and vocal accompaniment (p. 178). 

The Bari Bii musical instruments are the essential tools of their performances, they are 

the internal part of the musical traditions of the community, playing their musical roles 

and other important specific roles that showcase the cultural heritage of the Ogoni 

people.  

 

The Preservation of Bari Bii Seven Musical Instruments 

The survival of any group lies in the preservation of their musical instrument. 

The Bari Bii music group is one of the best cultural music group in Ogoni, this group 

through their music has brought peace, unity, love and progress in communities. Bari Bii 

in Ogoni means God’s play. The group is as old as their forefathers and it is still in 

existence till date. The Bari Bii honours invitation both within and outside the community, 

their music has taken them to places both within and outside the state, also, religion is 

not a barrier. They have composed many songs performed with the musical instruments 

which are recorded in audio CD and has volume one and volume two, also their music are 

documented in Rivers State Television (RSTV). The beauty of their music lies in their 

instrumentation, all the members of the group sing, dance and play the seven musical 

instruments of the group they don’t feel the absence of any member. 

 

The Bari Bii music group makes use of seven traditional musical instruments and the 

materials used in the construction of these instruments are found in Ogoni communities. 

Onwuekwe (2011) affirms that: 

In any vegetation are found trees and other plants. These plants are 

endowments from nature. People from various climate/vegetation zones 

make use of these gifts of nature to produce their musical instruments (p. 

140). 

The Bari Bii traditional musical instruments are made from woods, metals, clays, animal 

skins and these materials are found within Ogoni locality and also constructed within the 

locality. The people that construct these instruments are members of the community and 

the seven musical instruments are preserved in the community. The seven musical 

instruments are preserved in their spiritual father’s shrine for protection by the gods 

of the land. Their musical instruments are not more or less than seven in number. The 

seven musical instruments are: 

No. Folk Instruments English Translations 

2 Akiri Slit wooden drum 

1 Kere Membrane drum 

1 Gira(big size) Big metal gong 

1 Gira(small size) Small metal gong 

1 Kana Musical pot 

1 Koo Big slit wooden drum 

 

The two Akira (two small slit wooden drums) are the lead instruments. During 

performance the akira plays first followed by the kana (musical pot) then the koo  (big 

slit wooden drum) joins and then the big and small gira (big and small metal gong) joins 



 

 
  

Awka Journal of Research in Music and the Arts (AJRMA) Vol. 16, September 2023 

74 

last. The big and small metal gong during performance plays communication roles. One of 

the instruments, the kere (drum) has special features. Agu (2005) posits that 

“Geometrical designs, carved animal and (at times) human figures are found on some 

instruments. This practice explains further the desire of the people to relate their 

musical instruments to things around them.” (p. 90) The kere(drum) is decorated with 

mirror round the body for beautification and dark in colour because it is always kept 

close to fire by their spiritual father in his shrine to avoid ants or rodents tampering 

with the membrane of the drum and also for longevity, the drum instrument is as old as 

the group, only the membrane that has been changed. 

 
Picture 1: The Seven Musical Instruments of the Bari Bii Music Group 

 

 
Picture 2: The Bari Bii Instrumentalists performing with the seven musical 

instruments 

 

 
Picture 3: Their spiritual father’s shrine(Amakiri) where the seven musical 

instruments are preserved before and after performances 

 



 

 
  

Awka Journal of Research in Music and the Arts (AJRMA) Vol. 16, September 2023 

75 

 

Classification of Bari Bii Traditional Musical Instruments 

In 1933 Eric von Hornbostel and Curt Sachs came up with four classifications of African 

musical instruments, their method of classification was based on the cause of sound 

generated by the instruments. The four main categories are: 

(a) Idiophones 

(b) Membranophones 

(c) Aerophones 

(d) Chordophones 

Out of the four categories, the Bari Bii music group musical instruments are classified 

under two main categories which are: (a) idiophones and  

(b) membranophones. 

 

Idiophones 

Agordoh (1985) informs that idiophones are instruments whose bodies vibrate to produce 

sound when beaten, shaken or struck, Idiophones are most common instruments in Nigeria 

since they could be found among all tribes. Among the idophones musical instruments 

found in Bari Bii music group are two slit wooden drums (akira), one big and one small 

metal gong (gira), one percussion pot (kana) and one big slit wooden drum (koo). The two 

slit wooden drums (akira) are the most valuable instruments of the group, they are 

popular and widespread idiophone instruments found in Ogoni. In various parts of Ogoni 

tribe, it has different names, the name this instrument answers in one tribe or ethnic 

society depends on its size and shape. For example, the small size among the Ogoni is 

called akira while the medium and biggest sizes are called koo, the slit wooden drum is 

under struck idiophone family. 

 

The metal gongs (gira) both the big and small sizes are referred to as clapperless bells. 

The clapperless bells are of various sizes; long, small and double. It has many names 

depending on the tribe where it is found, used, and also on its sizes, shapes and roles. 

The biggest and smallest size of the instruments in Bari Bii music is called gira and it is 

one of the most important musical instruments of the group, this instrument is also under 

struck idiophone family. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picture 4:  Gira(Metal gong - small size) 

 



 

 
  

Awka Journal of Research in Music and the Arts (AJRMA) Vol. 16, September 2023 

76 

 
 

Picture 5: The two Akira (Two slit wooden drums) lead instruments 

 

 
Picture 6:  Koo (Slit wooden drum - big size) 

 
Picture 7:   Gira (Metal gong - big size) 

 

The musical pot (kana) is an idiophone instrument performed in Bari Bii dance music group, 

it is an instrument made with clay usually designed in two different ways. The small size 

of the instrument is oval in shape with extended neck wich terminates in an opening 

through which it is played. A second opening or hole is located on one side of this pot 

near the neck. A handle is fixed at the opposite side of this second hole. The player is 

usually seated with the instrument on his or her laps as he beats the two openings with 

his two palms in alternating rhythm. The second design is normally used by the Bari Bii 

music group which has one hole which is on top of the neck. This design is usually big in 

size and it is not carried by the players on their bodies, it is kept on the ground and it is 

played with a special pad and not with bare hands. The percussion drum (kana) is under 

beat idiophone. 

 



 

 
  

Awka Journal of Research in Music and the Arts (AJRMA) Vol. 16, September 2023 

77 

 
Picture 8: Kana (Percussion pot) 

 

Membranophone 

 

Kofoworola, and Lateef, (1987) asserts that “drum is the generic name for instruments 

consisting of skin stretched over a frame or vessel and struck with the hands or a stick 

(or sticks). Drums therefore are practically identical with the category 

‘membranphones’.” (p.216) Drums are classified under membranophone family. They 

appear in wide variety of shapes and sizes; some have membranes on both ends while 

others have on only one side, with the other end open. The membranophone instruments 

are instruments in which sound is produced with animal skin fixed on the wooden or metal 

frames. They are played with bare hands, leather thongs or twigs, wooden or metal 

beaters. Vidal (2012) affirms that “drumming and singing constitute the main forms of 

musical expression.” (p. 43) The Bari Bii music group in their performance use one single 

membrane drum called kere, the drum is small in size and the animal skin fastened on it 

and this drum has a special feature of mirror decorated around it. It is dark in colour 

due to its preservation close to the fire for preservation. The player displays dexterity 

on the instrument, he drummer sings, plays and dance at the same time. 

 

 
Picture 9:Kere(Single membrane drum with mirrors decorated round the  

body of the instrument 

 

Importance of Bari Bii Musical Instruments 

The seven musical instruments of the Bari Bii music group are the result of their good 

performances in the communities, both within and outside the communities. Onwukwe 



 

 
  

Awka Journal of Research in Music and the Arts (AJRMA) Vol. 16, September 2023 

78 

(2011) posit that musical instruments play the following roles: rhythmic, melo-rhythmic 

and timing (p. 135). The Bari Bii music group attached importance to their musical 

instruments and that is the reason why they don’t use more or less than seven musical 

instruments because of the cultural roles these instruments play. The instruments play 

rhythmic, melo-rhythmic and timing roles. The importance of the musical instruments to 

the group are:  

(a) Rhythmic importance 

The metal gongs (gira) and slit wooden drums (akira) effectively and beautifully play 

rhythmic roles in the Bari Bii music group performance, the instruments give very strong 

percussive effects on the music. During their performance, the small slit wooden drum 

plays first and other instruments join and serve as an accompaniment to the instrument. 

The metal gong performs and alerts the dancers when to start the performance and when 

to end the performance. 

(b) Melo-Rhythmic importance 

These are the musical instruments that play both melodic and rhythmic roles in a 

traditional ensemble. In the Bari Bii music group, the slit wooden drum (akira), the single 

membrane drum (kere) and the metal gong (gira) play both melodic and rhythmic roles in 

the group, as these instruments are played in a performance, it spurs the members of 

the group and the audience into action.  

(c) Timing importance 

The musical pot (kana) and the small metal gong (gira) keep time during the performance 

of the dance, they give ostinato effects to the music. The instruments play the musical 

patterns that are repeated persistently throughout the performance by the Bari Bii 

music group and other instruments rely on their timing roles. 

d. To entertain the entire Ogoni communities, Rivers State and Nigeria at large 

e. Advertise the Bari Bii music group 

f. Preserve the traditional cultures of the Ogoni communities 

g. Educate the communities on the importance and maintenance of their cultural 

heritage 

h.  Perform as representative of their culture on special public occasions 

i. Energize the music group and the people of the community at large. 

 

Findings 

Traditional musical instruments are very important in any traditional music group, the 

Bari Bii traditional musical instruments are seven in number, they are two small wooden 

drums (akira), one big size metal gong (gira), one small size metal gong (gira), one 

percussion pot (kana) and one big slit wooden drum (koo). The seven musical instruments 

are preserved in their spiritual father’s shrine (Amachree) before and after 

performances.  

 

The members of this group are trained for six months to learn how to play all the musical 

instruments and that is why the absence of any instrumentalist are not felt during their 

performances. Among the seven musical instruments, the small slit wooden drum (akira) 

are the most important instruments. It plays both rhythmic and melo-rhythmic roles in 

their performances, other instruments play timing and melodic roles. 



 

 
  

Awka Journal of Research in Music and the Arts (AJRMA) Vol. 16, September 2023 

79 

The materials used in the construction of the instruments are found within Ogoni 

localities and members of the communities’ construct and sale these instruments for a 

living. The musical instruments are classified under idiophone and membranophone 

families and these musical instruments are passed on from one generation to another to 

preserve their cultural heritage. 

 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, the Bari Bii group musical instruments are as old as the group, the musical 

instruments used by their forefathers are still in use and preserved by the community 

to maintain, entertain, advertise, preserve, educate and perform their traditional roles. 

The Bari Bii music group are well known for their music performances through dance and 

playing of musical instruments. The importance of musical instruments in their 

performances cannot be overemphasized and the music performed with these musical 

instruments has taken them to places both within and outside Rivers state. The Bari Bii 

musical instruments form part of the musical traditions of the people, playing their 

musical roles and other identifiable specific roles that showcase the cultural traditions 

of the community, they enhance the musical and the socio-cultural activities that go on 

in the community. Their traditional musical instruments play symbolic roles both in the 

musical arts tradition of the Ogoni people and there are no age/sex limitations on the 

use of Bari Bii musical instruments, it is therefore concluded that the seven musical 

instruments are the heartbeat of the Bari Bii music group of Ogoni communities. 

Preserved for with their spiritual father for the future generations. 

 

Recommendations 

1. The federal, state and local governments should encourage the preservation of 

Bari Bii music group so that the musical instruments will be preserved for posterity. 

2. The Bari Bii spiritual father, Amachree where the instruments are preserved 

should be turned to a tourist centre where cultural heritage will be preserved. 

3. The materials used in the construction of the musical instruments should be 

planted in the community to make the instruments accessible to the people. 

4. The xylophone which is a melodic instrument should be added to the instruments 

to increase the number of the Bari Bii melodic instruments. 

5. The Bari Bii musical instruments should represent the identity of the music group. 

 

References 

Agordoh, A.A. (1985). Topic in African music with 100 objectives questions and answers.  

 Abraka  

Agu. D.C.C. (2017). Utilizing the power of music in contemporary Nigeria An Inaugural  

 Lecture of Nnamdi AzikiweUniversity, Awka. 

Agu, D.C.C. (2000). Classification of Nigerian musical instruments and their roles in  

Nigerian cultures. In Ojiakor, N.E. and Unachukwu, G.C. Challenges of National 

Development in Nigeria. Enugu. 

Agu, D.C.C. (2000). Music in the Nigerian cultures: Types and practices. In Ojiakor, E.N.  

and Unachukwu, G.C., Challenges of National growth and development in Nigeria. 

Enugu. 



 

 
  

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Kofoworola,  Z. & Lateef, Y. (1987).Hausa performing arts and music. Lagos. 

Odunuga, A.F. (2009). Introduction to the study of musi. 

Okafor, R.C. (2005). Music in Nigerian society. Enugu. 

Onwuekwe, A.I. (2011). Nigerian musical instruments. A Journal of Music and Aesthetics  

 (JOMA), University of Uyo, 1 & 2, 134-148. 

  

 
 


