The Nigerian Film Industry and Culture Relocation: A Translation of the Modes and Forms in Music and Dance Culture

Abstract

The Nigerian film industry, encompassing both Nollywood secular and Evangelical film divisions, has long showcased the historical and contemporary culture of Nigeria, reflecting cultural transitions while preserving the socio-cultural realities of its people. This study examines how the industry navigates these transitions, maintaining its connection to diverse worldviews and global integration through music (signature tunes and soundtracks) and dance practices. Focusing on films from 1980 to 2020, including Koto Aye (1989), Koto Orun (1990), The Gods Are Dead (2000), The Land of Fury (2015), Lionheart (2018), and Living in Bondage: Breaking Free (2019), the study explores themes of secularity and spirituality. Using the framework of Afrocentrism, it analyzes how music and dance in Nigerian cinema serve to preserve cultural identity, while also adapting to global media flows and cultural transformations