Musicology doctoral candidate explores new research in Japan thanks to CAAAS Graduate Student Fellowship
The pursuit of knowledge can often take researchers in uncharted areas requiring the use of primary sources and experiencing cultures first-hand. In the case of Ubochi Igbokwe’s pursuit, she had to travel across the globe and even learn a new language.
Igbokwe is part of the inaugural class of the new —a program which connects selected students with a dedicated librarian and provides a stipend to cover additional research expenses.
Igbokwe is a musicology PhD student and used the stipend to travel to Japan this summer to study Igbo African masquerade music and the cultural impacts of the Igbo African émigrés.
Igbokwe shared the inspiration for his research topic, the fellowship and her experiences in Japan.
Can you share what initially drew you to your specific area of research?
As a student of African music, I have conducted extensive research on Igbo masquerade music and festivals in Nigeria. I have presented my research findings at various conferences in the United States, Portugal, Thailand, Ireland and Nigeria. Furthermore, selected portions of my work have been publis