Email: geidolor@delsu.edu.ng
- Area of Specialization: African Musicology, Music Education, Composition and Conducting
- Department of Music
- BRIEF BIODATA ON
Mus. PROFESSOR EMUROBOME G. IDOLOR
“Mus” as he is popularly known in the music palace, Professor Emurobome Idolor is a man of great passion for music scholarship, practice and teaching in Nigeria. He is a founding staff, not only of the Department of Music, but of the Delta State University, Abraka – Nigeria.
Mus Professor Emurobome Godwin Idolor, the third out of seven children of his father, was born on December 22, 1955 in Ogiedi-Elume, Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. His father, Chief Idolor Abednego Afen was a farmer of repute who ensured that all his children had formal education. This life-expectation laid the foundation for Professor Idolor’s height in academia which started at the Primary level in the NBC School in his home town from 1963 to 1968. For the Secondary level, he attended the Baptist High School, Eku from 1970 to 1974 and Nana Teachers College, Warri from 1978 to 1979. In pursuance of academic excellence, he read at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka for the Diploma in Music Education in 1984; B.A. (Hons) degree in Music in 1986; M.Ed. degree in Educational Administration in 1989; M.A. degree in Music Education in 1993; and in 2001 at the University of Ibadan, he had the Ph.D. degree in Music, thus making him the first ever to receive a Ph.D degree in Music from a Nigerian University.
In 1968, Professor Idolor began his music career as a choirboy and a soprano singer in Divine Baptist Church, Ogiedi-Elume and learnt to play the organ in 1970. From 1974 to 1977, he served as the organist in the same church and as a student in Nana College, Warri, he was a tenor singer in the College Nightingale Choir from 1978 to 1979, a voice part he maintained in the University of Nigeria Choral and Orchestral Society (UNCOS) from 1981 to 1986. He was also the Music Director and Organist in the Nsukka Baptist Church, Enugu State from 1981 to 1986 and became the organist of the First Baptist Church, Boji-Boji Owa, Delta State from 1987 to 1990. From 1990 to 1993, he was the Organist and Music Director of the First Baptist Church, Ekrejeta-Abraka and from 2010 to 2013, he served as the Music Director of Emmanuel Baptist Church, Abraka both in Delta State. He is an award winning member of the National Music Advisory Board of the Nigerian Baptist Convention where he consistently and unreservedly used his professional expertise for the advancement of the body.
He served as a music lecturer in the Departments of Music, College of Education, Warri (1986); College of Education, Agbor (1987 - 1990);Bendel State University from 1990 to 1992, and Delta State University, Abraka (1992 till date). At the Delta State University, Abraka, he was appointed as the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Arts 1993 to 1996; first substantive head of the Department of Music 2002 to 2007; Associate Dean of Postgraduate School 2007- 2009 and promoted to the rank of a Professor of Music in 2006; thus making him the first Professor of Music Delta state ever produced. He was appointed as the Director, General Studies Directorate from 2014 to 2016. His over thirty-four years of lecturing in the tertiary system has positively paid-off not only producing three professors, nine Ph.D. degree graduates and other high level human capital, but also equipping graduates for the task of advancing music scholarship in the nation and the world at large.
Professor Idolor is a scholar of cutting-edge recognition through propounded thought-provoking music theories and opinions in over forty published articles in globally acclaimed journals and four books. He is also a brilliant and creative composer, handling African and European music idioms with competence. In this regard, he has eight-five compositions in secular and sacred, vocal and instrumental and solo and ensemble media. This creative out-put was acknowledged in Delta State with an award as The 2011 Music Icon. In the same year, his brilliance also attracted an international recognition when the Ghanaian Government invited him to serve on the panel of Accreditation of Music programmes in four of her Universities – University of Cape Coast, University of Wenniba, University of Ghana, Legon and University of Science and Technology, Kumasi. In 2013, the Oasis Media Organisation gave him an award as an outstanding music scholar.
The effective modeling of youths for a better tomorrow is a great concern in his life philosophy. In spite of his academic status as a professor, he has a liberal and unassuming personality that magnetizes youths for a purposeful life career. He bequeathed to them his philosophy of “Hard-work does not kill, rather it makes one stronger”. His involvement in music directing, was an ample opportunity for him to share ideas of integrity, profitable life ambitions and strategies for accomplishing set goals with youths.
In 1986, after his first degree, Professor Idolor established two music groups in Ogiedi-Elume viz: Okpe Choral Music Society and Emokpe which had annual music concerts with dramatic sketches especially on the first day of the year. The repertory centred on themes like Patriotism, Formal education, birth control, culture and integrity. These groups which doubled as avenues for modeling and counseling, later became a standard for members to aspire to become graduates in music and other disciplines from various universities.
Since the coronation of Orhue 1 as the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom in July 2006, Professor Idolor has visibly chaired top-ranking standing committees of the Udogun Okpe and has severally and actively participated in the Orodje’s annual coronation anniversaries through musical performances with Choral groups and church choirs. He has also been very active in organizing festival of music for the thirteen districts that comprise the kingdom.
He is happily married with children.
In summary, Professor Emurobome Idolor is the first ever to receive a Ph.D degree in music from a Nigerian University, the first Professor of Music in Delta State, the first Professor of Music in Delta State University, Abraka, an erudite scholar, a brilliant composer, a conductor per excellence, a hard-worker, a patriot and a reputed lecturer of our time!!!
My Publications- IDOLOR, Emurobome G, (2007) Music to the contemporary African, Journal of Social Sciences / Routledge Publishers/Taylor and Francis
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=aIY05DUAAAAJ&hl Vol.14(1) Pages: 17 - 18
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (2002) Music in Africa: Facts and Illusions, Stirling-Horden Publishers (Nigeria)
Vol. Pages: 120
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (2007) Strategising Globalisation for the Advancement of African Music Identity., Journal of Social Sciences / Routledge Publishers/Taylor and Francis
https://www.academia.edu/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&q=Strategising+Globalisation+for+the+Advancement+of+African+Music+Identity. Vol. Pages: 103 - 108
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (2001) Formal education and the development of African art music in Nigeria., African art music in Nigeria/Stirling-Horden Publishers (Nig.)
https://www.https://www.academia.edu/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&q=Formal+education+and+the+development+of+African+art+music+in+Nigeria.academia.edu/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&q=Strategising+Globalisation+for+the+Advancement+of+African+Music+Identity. Vol. Pages: 135 -149
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (2005) Music scholarship at universities and the relevance of the industrial training scheme in Nigeria, Center for International Higher Education, Boston College (USA) and the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA)/Center for International Higher Education, Boston College (États Unis) et le Conseil pour le
https://www.jstor.org/stable/43661440?seq=1 Vol.3(3) Pages: 107 -116
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (1998) Trends in Formulated Objectives in Music Education in Nigeria., Journal of African Performing Arts, Faculty of Performing Arts, University of Ghana.
Vol.3(1) Pages: 37 - 46
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (2019) Features of orality in Okpe Disco popular music of the Niger-Delta region, Nigeria., In press
https://www.academia.edu/40987815/FEATURES_OF_ORALITY_IN_OKP%E1%BA%B8_DISCO_POPULAR_MUSIC_OF_THE Vol. Pages: 20
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (2015) Music in contemporary African society, Music in Africa: Facts and Illusions; Stirling-Horden Publishers (Nigeria).
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?cluster=17594325814413325598&hl=en&as_sdt=2005&sciodt=0,5 Vol. Pages: 1 - 11
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (2002) Okpe Disco: Its emergence and performance practice, SAMUS: South African Journal of Musicology/Sabinet.
https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/sabinet/samus/2002/00000022/00000001/art00003 Vol.22(1) Pages: 13 - 27
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (2008) Glory, Hallelujah to His ame, African Choral Series one/Stirling-Horden Publisher (Nigeria)
Vol.1 Pages: 13
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (2008) Nigeria, otore ose owan (Nigeria, our fatherland), Music score/Stirling-Horden Publishers (Nig) Ltd.
Vol.1 Pages: 16
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (1987) Iyere Esiri (Good News), Music score
https://www.academia.edu/13629828/iyere_esiri Vol. Pages: 8
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (2018) REPACKAGING LYRICS IN TRADITIONAL MUSIC FOR ENHANCED PROJECTION OF MINORITY LANGUAGES IN NIGERIA’S CULTURAL PLURALITY, JOLAN: Journal of Linguistics Association of Nigeria.
file:///C:/Users/Malvis/Downloads/137%20150%20Idolor%20REPACKAGING%20TRADITIONAL%20MUSIC%20FOR%20ENHANCED%20PROJECTION%20OF%20MINORITY%20LANGUAGES%20IN%20NIGERIA%20(1).pdf Vol.21(1) Pages: 137 - 150
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (2019) Ede Okpe: A dictionary of Okpe names with pronunciation guides and concepts., Kraft Books Limited, Ibadan - Nigeria
https://www.academia.edu/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&q=Ede+Okpe%3A+A+dictionary+of+Okpe+names+with+pronunciation+guides Vol.  Pages: 392
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (2014) The traditions of Okpe Disco and the challenges of modernism. , Series of Inaugural Lectures in Delta state University, Abraka/ Delta state University Press, Abraka - Nigeria.
https://www.academia.edu/42869619/Traditions_of_Okpe_Disco_and_the_challenges_of_modernism?email_work_card=view-paper Vol.34 Pages: 131
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (1991/92) University of Nigeria's department of music and contemporary national demands , The Alumnus
Vol.6(1) Pages: 41 - 45
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (2017) Content and significance of the Nigeria national and Delta State University anthems., Nigerian peoples, culture and entrepreneurial skills/The Directorate of General Studies, Delta State University, Abraka - Nigeria.
https://www.academia.edu/42788355/CONTENT_AND_SIGNIFICANCE_OF_THE_NIGERIA_NATIONAL_AND_DELTA_STATE_UNIVERSITY_ANTHEMS Vol.GST 111 Pages: 1 - 12
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (1993) African music as culture indicator - A case study of Okpe traditional songs., Journal of African Performing Arts
Vol.1(1) Pages: 45-59
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (2005) Music in African societies., African culture and civilization by S. Ademola Ajayi/Ibadan Cultural Studies Group.
https://www.amazon.com/African-Culture-Civilization-Ademola-Ajayi/dp/9783545450 Vol. Pages: 57-70
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (1989 ) Farewell march (Orchestra open score) , Orchestral score
https://www.academia.edu/33573657/Farewell_March_Orchestra_Open_Score Vol. Pages: 10
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. and OGBEIDE, Rebecca U. (2020) Teaching methods in music, Special methods in education edited by Egbule, P. E./Totan Publishers Ltd.
Vol. Pages: 181 - 202
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (2019) How equipped is the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) undergraduate music benchmark for African art music in Nigeria?, In press
https://www.academia.edu/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&q=How+equipped+is+the+National+Universities+Commission%27s+%28NUC%29 Vol. Pages: 28
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (2018) Evolution of the music ministry in Divine Baptist Church, Ogiedi-Elume, In press
https://www.academia.edu/41597043/EVOLUTION_OF_THE_MUSIC_MINISTRY_IN_DIVINE_BAPTIST_CHURCH_OGIEDI-%E1%BA%B8LUM%E1%BA%B8 Vol. Pages: 30
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (2018) Science of research breakthroughs in music scholarship, In press
https://www.academia.edu/s/3260912e39?source=ai_email Vol. Pages: 26
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (2014) The traditions of Okpe Disco and the challenges of modernism., Compendium of Delta State University 2014 Inaugural Lectures Series. edited by Peretomode, V. F. /Delta State University, Abraka.
Vol.5 Pages: 148 - 217
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (2014) The traditions of Okpe Disco and the challenges of modernism., The traditions of Okpe Disco and the challenges of modernism./Abraka: Delta State University Inaugural Series.
https://www.academia.edu/41424144/ED%E1%BA%B8_OKP%E1%BA%B8_-_A_Dictionary_of_Okp%E1%BA%B9_Names_with_Pronunciation_Guides_and_Concepts Vol.34 Pages: 131
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (2011) Exploiting music potentials for the effective teaching of language in African schools, Keynote Address/School and of Arts and Social Sciences, Federal College of Education, Owerri, Imo State.
https://www.academia.edu/28460199/EXPLOITING_MUSIC_POTENTIALS_FOR_THE_EFFECTIVE_TEACHING.docx Vol. Pages: 25
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (2008) African Choral Series, Choral Music Score/Stirling-Horden Publishers (Nigeria).
Vol.1 Pages: 31
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (2002) The theorist and the performer in African musical practice, In Idolor, E. G. Music in Africa: Facts and Illusions/Stirling-Horden Publishers (Nigeria), Ibadan.
Vol. Pages: 54 -63
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (2005) Music in Contemporary African Society, in Ajayi, Ademola S. (ed.), African Culture and Civilisation/Ibadan: Atlantics Books.
https://www.google.com/search?q=Ajayi%2C+Ademola+S.+(ed.)%2C+African+Culture+and+Civilisation&oq=Ajayi%2C+Ademola+S.+(ed.)%2C+African+Culture+and+Civilisation&aqs=chrome..69i57.3769j0j8&so Vol. Pages: 185 - 196
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (2001) The Organization of School Choirs in Nigeria: Process and Challenges., The Performer (University of Ilorin Journal of Performing Arts).
Vol.3 Pages: 58 - 68
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (1999) Forces and Trends in the Rise of indigenous Church Music in Nigeria , in Ifie, E. (ed), Coping With Culture/Ibadan: Oputoru Books
Vol. Pages: 304 - 326
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (1997) The Objectivity in Art Music Communication., Journal of Educational Communication for Africa
Vol.1(1) Pages: 184 - 193
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (1993) African Music as Culture Indicator - A Case Study of Okpe Traditional Songs., Journal of African Performing Arts.
Vol.1(1) Pages: 45 - 59
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (1993) Instructional Procedures in African Traditional Music Performance., Journal of Curriculum Studies and Instructions.
Vol.1(1) Pages: 31 - 37
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (1993) Adaptation of Talent Education Music Method in Nigeria, EDSU Journal of Vocational Education.
Vol.1(2) Pages: 31 - 37
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (1993) An Appraisal of the Evaluation System of Music in J.S.S. Programme, Delta Journal of Educational Development.
Vol.1(1) Pages: 163 - 174
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (1991) All things bright and beautiful , Choral music score/New York: Bourne Music Publishers.
https://www.academia.edu/13629892/ALL_THINGS_BRIGHT_AND_BEAUTIFUL Vol. Pages: 16
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (1990) The Role of the Music Student-Teacher in the School’s Programme’’., Teaching Practice Seminar Series/Faculty of Education, University of Benin, Benin City.
Vol. Pages: 106 - 111
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (1990) Africa Music Curriculum Development: A systematic Approach, Journal of Studies in Education.
Vol.1(1 &2) Pages: 150-156.
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (2014) African musicology: The contributions of Professor Mosunmola A. Omibiyi-Obidike , African Musicology: Past, Present and Future/Timade Ventures, Ile-Ife
https://www.worldcat.org/title/african-musicology-past-present-and-future-a-festschrift-for-mosunmola-ayinke-omibiyi-obidike/oclc/951834684 Vol. Pages: 3 - 20
- IDOLOR, Emurobome G. (2009) Lyrics of the Delta State University, Abraka., Delta State University, Abraka.
https://www.academia.edu/42889624/Delta_State_University_Anthem_-_Lyrics Vol. Pages: 8
- Emurobome G. Idolor (2015) Compilation of Some Published Articles by Professor Emurobome Idolor: (1) African Music pp. 1 – 294; Music Education pp. 295 – 492., Academia.edu
https://www.academia.edu/13628580/Compilation_of_Some_Published_Articles_by_Professor_Emurobome_Idolor_1_African_Music_pp._1_294_Music_Education_pp._295_492 Vol. Pages: 493
- Emurobome G. Idolor (2015) Compilation of Some Published Articles by Professor Emurobome Idolor 1 African Music pp. 1 - 294 Music Education pp. 295 - 492., https://www.academia.edu/13628580/Compilation_of_Some_Published_Articles_by_Professor_Emurobome_Idolor_1_African_Music_pp._1_294_Music_Education_pp._295_492
https://www.academia.edu/13628580/Compilation_of_Some_Published_Articles_by_Professor_Emurobome_Idolor_1_African_Music_pp._1_294_Music_Education_pp._295_492 Vol. Pages: 493
- David Bolaji (2020) Emurobome Idolor and the Discourse of Nigerian Art Music, International Association of African Researchers and Reviewers
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ijah/article/view/195307 Vol.Vol 9 (1), S/No 32 Pages:
