Iya (Mother): A Structural and Compositional Analysis

Author: Ogheneukaro Blessing Ugen

Abstract

Iya (Mother) is a contemporary African art-music composition that blends Western melodic instruments with African percussion timbres to create a vivid sonic portrayal of maternal symbolism. Set in C major and cast in ternary form, the work unfolds at a Moderato tempo that supports its lyrical, expressive character. The composition employs a diatonic pitch
framework, a compound duple metre, and a carefully organised melodic contour that spans a perfect eleventh. Motivic repetition, call-and-response dialogue, and rhythmic vitality contribute to its structural coherence. The interplay between flute, piano, shekere, congas,
and agogo produces a hybrid timbral palette that reinforces the expressive narrative. This article offers a detailed analysis of the work’s form, melodic organisation, rhythmic design, harmonic language, and textural strategies, demonstrating how these elements collectively articulate a culturally grounded yet structurally sophisticated musical statement. The
study highlights the piece’s contribution to contemporary African art-music composition and its expressive engagement with the theme of motherhood.

Keywords: African Art-Music, Instrumental Timbre, Melodic Contour, Rhythmic Structure, Ternary Form

Copyright © 2026. The author retains the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.

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Author

Ogheneukaro Blessing Ugen