In a bid to give a critical comparison between Ancient and Contemporary Music in Africa at the recently concluded Oshogbo Convo 2021, Managing Director of Evergreen Musical Company, Ms. Abimbola Esho traces the origination of music back to over 50,000 years ago with the use of Archaeological findings and carbon dating .
Displayed on her projector presentation screen is the oldest musical Instrument called Bone Flute which was found in Germany over 50,000 years ago. Also the first written music, an Old Hymn according to research, was found in Syria 3,400 years ago.
In the 10th and 14th centuries, archaeologist found on stones, caves, temples, terracotta, and on Benin Plaques traces of musical Instruments.
Back home in Nigeria the Oldest Musical Instrument known as Thumb Piano was found in Igbo Ukwu, Anambra State.
Tracing back ancient musical instruments in comparison to modernized ones shows how music evolved with man’s technological advancements amongst other factors like Colonization, Urbanization, Independence , Acculturation, Globalization and others.
