Umobuarie Dances to OMATA Music

This shows two different aspects of afan performance: where the exponent dances and where the entire ensemble sits to perform.

Afan Music

Afan music in performance. A separate shot of the exponent in an award-giving ceremony is shown at the end of the clip.

Afan Music and Drama

Chief Umobuarie Igberaese specifically staged this performance for a doctoral research student in the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, upon her request. This clip shows drama as an integral part of afan music. Furthermore, raising afan high up while a song is being sung indicates that that particular song should be brought to an end.

Afan Music and Audience Reaction

Afan is audience-participatory. This explains a part of the audience's reaction during a performance.

Afan Musician Prays Before Performing

It was routine for the afan exponent to pray and commit the night's activities to God before the commencement of any performance. Thereafter, he would walk around beating a gong to announce the title of the night's performance and also advise the audience to be attentive and orderly. A performance would usually last from about 9.30pm to about 5am.