Responsibility of popular musicians in causing social change in contemporary Nigeria: An analytical study

Abstract

The musician in contemporary Nigeria constantly finds himself enmeshed in a conflict where he is expected to be both a lead voice and a pacifier. This work therefore analyses the role of Nigeria’s contemporary popular musicians in positive social re-engineering since by their art they are seen to enjoy a particular kind of immunity and freedom in making their voices heard in society. The questions remain, to what extent have they fulfilled this responsibility in the light of emerging socio-political concerns? What are the factors that inhibit their performance of this role as bearers of society’s conscience? This survey is conducted using secondary sources, analysis of song texts, live events and personal observations by the researcher as medium of data collection. It was evident that indeed there is the burden of social change on the shoulders of the Nigerian musician, a responsibility that has been performed with varying degrees of commitment and success in contemporary Nigeria. The study recommends a better reception of the messages of popular musicians especially as it concerns the well-being of society.