Film music practice in Nollywood

From Mimesis to the Opacity of the Extended Present

Emaeyak Peter Sylvanus

Emaeyak Peter Sylvanus' Film Music Practice in Nollywood: From Mimesis to the Opacity of the Extended Present is not merely an academic exploration; it is a revealing voyage into the pulsating heart of Nigeria's film industry and its symbiotic relationship with music. This work uncovers layers of meaning and significance that have long been overshadowed, inviting you-yes, you-to dive headfirst into the intricate dance of sound and vision that defines Nollywood.

At just 56 pages, this concise volume packs a punch with its insightful discourse on the art of filmmaking in the storied Nollywood arena. Sylvanus adeptly articulates how music transcends mere background ambiance, transforming dialogue into rich emotional landscapes. It's as if he hands the reader a magic lantern, illuminating the hidden dimensions of film scoring that impact viewers both consciously and subconsciously. 🌌

The allure of Nollywood films is undeniable, often featuring vibrant narratives that resonate not only within Nigeria but across the continent and beyond. Sylvanus deftly navigates the complexities of film music-its ability to evoke joy, sorrow, nostalgia, and cultural identity. This book compels you to confront the profound questions of representation and authenticity in the cinematic soundscape, and how these elements intertwine with the audience's perception of reality. Your emotions will swell; you'll sense the harmonies and dissonances of everyday life reflected in every cinematic score.

Comments from readers reveal a spectrum of reactions. Some hail Sylvanus as a trailblazer, shedding light on an underexplored aspect of Nollywood that mirrors broader themes in cinematic history. Others, however, grapple with his academic style, finding it dense or overly specialized. Yet, those who persevere are rewarded with revelations that resonate on a global scale-vivid portraits of sound that echo through the socio-political fabric of Nigeria itself.

Sylvanus's work emerges in a context rich with historical complexity. The legacy of Nollywood and its rapid growth in the face of both national and global challenges serves as a backdrop for his analysis. Music, as he argues, becomes a vessel for collective memory and identity amidst the kaleidoscope of cultural narratives. 📽

Through the author's lens, the reader is urged to reconsider assumptions about music in film. This is not just an exploration of technique; it's an emotional and cultural awakening. Sylvanus provocatively shifts between mimesis-where music mimics the emotional state-and the "opacity of the extended present," where music crafts an emotional space that transcends immediate narrative needs. This assertion will stir your thoughts on how American audiences consume music in films and challenge you to see the parallels in your own cultural exports.

Lose yourself in the sweeping arcs of sound that Sylvanus invites you to explore. How does music transform a scene from ordinary to extraordinary? How does it manipulate emotions in ways that words alone cannot convey? In a world where entertainment often prioritizes the visual, this book rekindles your appreciation for the auditory, making you question the very essence of what you consume on-screen.

In conclusion, Film Music Practice in Nollywood is more than a scholarly work-it is a clarion call urging you to acknowledge the power of music in cinema. Neglecting this exploration could mean missing out on fundamental insights about culture, identity, and the human experience itself. As Sylvanus's perspectives resonate within you, you may find your own views on film evolving, spurring deeper reflections and conversations. This isn't just a book; it's an invitation to rethink how we engage with the art of film and the melodies that accompany our visual stories. 🎶 Don't merely read it-experience it.

📖 Film music practice in Nollywood: From Mimesis to the Opacity of the Extended Present

✍ by Emaeyak Peter Sylvanus

🧾 56 pages

2012

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