The Vice-Chancellor of Peter University, Rev. Fr. Prof. Chukwuemenam Emmanuel Umezinwa has highlighted the philosophical depth and communicative power of traditional Igbo music at a colloquium organised by the Ichoku Academy Centre for Igbo Music and the Arts, Awka.

Prof. Umezinwa, a renowned scholar of Ethnomusicology, spoke on “Speech Surrogacy in Igbo Musical Tradition to a Philosophy,”exploring how traditional Igbo musical instruments have historically served as channels for conveying messages, ideas and cultural values.

In his presentation, he examined the communicative functions of instruments like, the Oja, Ekwe and Ikoro. He demonstrated how music in Igbo society extends beyond entertainment to embody language, history, philosophy and social communication.

His presentation generated an engaging intellectual exchange during an interactive session moderated by Dr. Gerald Eze, who was once a student to Prof. Umezinwa. Participants asked questions on the cultural and philosophical dimensions of Igbo musical expression, while the Vice-Chancellor offered further perspectives on the subject.

Dr. Eze commended Prof. Umezinwa for honouring the invitation and contributing his expertise to the academic gathering.

Other speakers at the colloquium include; Mr. Chuka Nnabuife, Dr. Onyinye Chimezie, and Rev. Fr. Prof. Chika Okpalike, who contributed to discussions on Igbo music, culture and the arts.

The colloquium underscored the growing importance of preserving and academically examining indigenous Igbo musical traditions as vital expressions of language, identity and cultural heritage.