Aspects of “interculturalism” in contemporary Nigerian music compositions for national unity

Alvan-Ikoku O. Nwamara

Abstract


Music remains an integral part of every Nigerian’s life,
irrespective of culture, ethnicity or religiosity. Every aspect of
life-stages in Nigeria has some level of music-making attached to
it from cradle to grave. As a result, music is believed to play
significant role in early character moulding and inculcation of
cultural and moral values and ideals in Nigerians through its
various kinds and types that are in existence. Since music has
been proven over time to be this influential, especially in
children, it might not be out of place for one to suggest using
music to promote national unity in a seemingly troubled Nigerian
nation. This paper sets out to encourage contemporary Nigerian
musicians and composers to explore some aspects of
“interculturalism” (especially in form of combining diverse
ethnic languages, musical instruments, costume and so on) in
their music compositions and performances. This would help
bring their messages closer to the doorsteps of various ethnic
groups whose languages are made manifest in such music
compositions.

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