Omolaye, B. V. (2020). Organisational Structure and Performance Practices of Òkítóròkò Music of the Ogori in Kogi State

Ogori is a small community in Kogi State, Nigeria. The people are known for the annual celebration of Ovia-Osese festival where Òkítóròkò music is performed. Several studies have been carried out on Òkítóròkò music. However, little attention has been paid to the organisational structure and performance practices of the music, which is imperative to the rite of passage of the maidens. This study intends to fill the gap with a view to exploring the organisational structure of the performing group, performance practices of the music and its cultural sensibilities during the rite of passage of the maidens. In-depth oral interview with seven purposively selected members of the Òkítóròkò musical group was employed. Findings show that, though, the performance of Òkítóròkò music started as a spontaneous activity among aged women at the inception of the Ovia-Osese festival; it has become an organised musical performance. It also reveals that the Iyiodina (the custodian of the initiation rite) is in charge of the musical group, while members cut-across the five clans of the community namely; Adubane, Okibo, Oshobane, Opowo and Eni. The paper concludes that the peculiarity of the Òkítóròkò musical group and the performance practices of the music promote the cultural ingenuity and indigenous prowess of the Ogori people to the globe. This is why the paper recommends that adequate attention should be given to the musical practices of the Ogori so that people can learn about the rich cultural heritage of the community.