General knowledge of the features and forms of

Contents & notes: what this topic covers

Under General knowledge of the features and forms of, the JAMB Music syllabus expects you to study:

• 2. General knowledge of the features and forms of Nigerian traditional music and other arts.
• (i) Festivals: e.g. Osun, Ifa, Ogun, Ekpo, Ofala, Iri ji (New Yam Festival), Ovia Osese, Mmanwu (Masquerade), Ila-Oso, Argungu (Fishing), Eyo/Adamu Orisa, Gelede, etc.
• (ii) Dances and other arts: Social, Ritual and Ceremonial e.g. Masquerade, Koroso, Atilogwu, Ikperikpe (war dance), Egedeege, Kwaghir, Agbon, Nkwa Umuagbogho, Bata, Bori, Swange, Dundun, Kokoma, Abigbo, Okonko, etc.

Study notes & guidance

Study General knowledge of the features and forms of using a recommended Music textbook that follows the JAMB syllabus. Work through the contents listed above one by one, make brief notes in your own words, and then practise as many questions on this topic as you can — in Music, understanding and steady practice matter far more than memorising. Use the objectives below as a checklist: if you can do each one confidently, you have mastered this topic.

Objectives — candidates should be able to

After studying General knowledge of the features and forms of, you should be able to:

1. Analyse the features and forms of Nigerian traditional music and the arts;
2. Differentiate between the various types of festivals, dances, their origin; and
3. Identify the relationship between music, dance and drama in African festivals.

These objectives are from the official JAMB syllabus. Use them as a checklist — if you can do each one confidently, you have mastered this topic.

Source: official JAMB UTME Music syllabus (IBASS, jamb.gov.ng). Reproduced for study use. Last checked: 17 Sept 2026. Always confirm the current syllabus on the official portal.