Artistic and Economic Potential of ‘Ukpe-kpahe’ Festival of Ikao in Edo State

Abstract

This paper examines the nature and performance of the festival: Ukpe-kpahe. Ukpe-kpahe is a masquerade festival which is celebrated annually by the people of Ikao in Edo State, Nigeria. This study shows that Ukpe-kpahe can become drama if it is well harnessed. The festival can be modified to become drama with all the necessary dramatic elements, although it entails ritual propitiation, Ukpe-kpahe entertains the people because it is more of a reenactment. While contrasting western drama and performance with local content and presentation, audience and performers are not usually separated in African drama because of the communality of the materials used for the entertainment. Ukpe-kpahe has all the dramatic elements such as dance, costumes, songs and lyrics that qualify it as drama. The study also examines the performance mode of Ukpe-kpahe. To achieve this, a historical research was conducted. Data were sourced from both primary and secondary sources. The study concludes that the festival is a form of African drama.