MASQUERADE HARASSMENT AND CULTURAL DECAY IN CONTEMPORARY IGBO FESTIVALS: A STUDY OF EGWU IMOKA FESTIVAL

Abstract

The proliferation of masquerade harassment and bullying in festivals seems to thrive on the fundamental need to create side attraction. This act mostly carried out by the youth in most communities in Nigeria, has gradually, over the years, transformed into an uncertain and chaotic end; thereby denting the cultural image and masking what such festivals represent. However, this research exposes the danger which masquerade harassment poses to tradition, festivals and society at large, as well as proffers ways of preventing it. For this study, Berry's acculturation theory was used to explain how easily people adapt to decaying cultures. Using the participant observation approach of the qualitative research method, the researcher studied the Egwu Imoka Festival of the Awka people of South East Nigeria. Findings show that masquerade harassment largely deforms festival aesthetics and negatively impacts audience turnout. The researcher concludes that festivals like Egwu Imoka will never rise to their true potential unless violent practices that result from masquerade harassment are curbed.