Language Dynamics in Contemporary Nigerian Gospel Music

Abstract

Religious music in Africa, especially gospel music, has become a major aspect of urban popular cultures. Undoubtedly preserving its sacred purpose, its adaptability into the socio-cultural life of the people is obvious. Part of what should have been its sacred features is the use of straightforward and orderly presentation of languages in a solemn manner. However, it has been discovered that its language dynamics feature various elements, which fall outside sacred boundaries. Based on grammatical and speculative theories, this paper employing literary analysis, musicological and discography methods examines the textual features of Nigerian gospel music with the purpose of discovering the socio-spiritual significance, the musical sensibilities and the socio-cultural values of the genre. A study like this no doubt contributes immensely to a better understanding of the antics of the genre, the practitioners and the society that owns the music.