Twin Ritual ( Kamta Bulikur ): The Significance of Traditional Music in the Health and Wellbeing of Twins among the Bura of North - east Nigeria

Abstract

Similar to many African communities, the Bura of northeastNigeria believe that twins are born withsupernatural powers. Among such powers are the ability to die and be re-born by another woman, the use of scorpions to harm people at will and the ability to feign sickness. To counteract such powers, a special twin ritual, kamta bulikur must be performed for the health and wellbeing of every twin. Bura traditional music is an integral part of this twin ritual. This paper examines Bura notions of tw inship and the significance of traditional music in the kamta bulikur ritual.

Keywords

• Bura
• twins
• music
• health and wellbeing
• ritual