Documentation of Ekombi Dance Music Among the Efik People of Cross River State

This research documents the music and choreographic traditions of the Ekombi dance as practised among the Efik people of Cross River State, South South Nigeria. Ekombi is a celebratory performance traditionally associated with young women and is characterised by graceful body movements accompanied by specific drum patterns, vocal chants, and handheld instruments. The dance holds social significance as a rite of passage and a marker of Efik feminine elegance and cultural pride. Despite its historical importance, systematic musicological documentation of Ekombi remains sparse in contemporary academic literature. This study adopts an ethnomusicological field research design, incorporating video and audio recordings of live Ekombi performances, structured interviews with performers, dance instructors, and cultural custodians, and review of available archival sources held at the Cross River State History and Culture Bureau. Research sites include communities in Calabar Municipality and Calabar South local government areas. Data analysis involves musical transcription of drum patterns and melodic phrases, thematic analysis of song texts, and notation of choreographic sequences. The findings aim to produce a documented reference for educators, cultural practitioners, and institutions responsible for preserving Efik intangible heritage. Keywords: Ekombi, Efik music, Cross River State, ethnomusicology, cultural documentation.