Review of Arts and Humanities

Music and Pentecostalism: The Nigerian Experience
Udok, Ekaette Clement ; Odunuga, Adeola Funmilayo

Abstract
Pentecostalism is a charismatic reformation movement which emerged among the protestant community in the early twentieth century by the radical revivalists in Los Angeles. This paper attempts to examine the work of Pentecostalism and its exerted influences on the musical practices in the churches in regards to techniques, mood, rhythm, harmony, text, melodies, form, and mode of presentation in church worship. It reviews the hallmarks of Pentecostalism by elucidating aptly on the etymology, history and background and beliefs of Pentecostal movement in the worldview and Nigeria in particular. Materials used in this work are mostly from religious and related music literatures. Using the historical research design, the study discovered that the movement has influenced the spiritual and musical perception of the people to a more contemporary style of praise and worship music rather than hymn singing alone. In light of the findings, the appraisal of the Pentecostal movement is recommended in order to maintain the age long tradition and philosophy of Pentecostalism.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/rah.v5n1a5