Audience Perception and Cultural Significance of Ekombi Traditional Folk Dance in Efik Marriage Ceremonies: A Study of Calabar, Cross River State

This study assesses the audience perspective of the Ekombi traditional folk dance in Efik marriage ceremonies in Calabar, Cross River State, investigating its continued relevance in a modernizing society. The research addresses the shifting dynamics of cultural consumption and the perceived disconnect between traditional performances and contemporary audience understanding. Anchored in a dual-theoretical framework of Reception Theory and Structural Functionalism, the study explores the dance as both a personal interpretive experience and a vital social structure. Employing a mixed-methods, cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 101 respondents across the Efik, Efut, and Qua clans using structured questionnaires, interviews, and direct observations. Findings reveal a predominantly positive reception, with 69.7% of the audience perceiving the dance as a symbol of peace, happiness, and communal cohesion. Furthermore, 71.9% of respondents recognize its cultural significance as a platform for showcasing femininity, beauty, and marital readiness. The study concludes that Ekombi serves as an essential aesthetic factor that enhances traditional marital rites and reinforces ethnic identity. It recommends the continuous promotion and adequate resourcing of the dance to preserve Efik cultural heritage and foster social unity.