Examining the impact of digitalization on Nigerian art music composition: opportunities, challenges and solutions

Abstract

There have been significant changes in the creation, distribution, and global consumption of music due to advances in technology in the digital age. Despite these changes, the adaptability or compatibility of some musical activities is still considered to be slow. For instance, the. Nigerian art music has had a harder time adjusting to the digital world than others. Nigerian art music compositions are confronted with obstacles in terms of promotion, sales, and visibility in the online community. This study looks at the digitization of Nigerian art music compositions, analyzing the opportunities and problems associated with maintaining, sharing, and making money from these artistic creations. Through the use of both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, such as focus groups, observations, interviews, and literature review, this study explores the viewpoints, experiences, and difficulties Nigerian composers face navigating the digital world. The study is hinged on Cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT) developed by Vygotsky, Luria, and Leontiev.. Used as a premise, the study examines the numerous stakeholders and their roles in the digitalization process as it studies the complications of digitalization in Nigerian art music. Results emphasize how crucial digitization is to the preservation of native works, making them more widely available, and raising the profile of Nigerian art music compositions internationally. Composers can explore new creative opportunities, engage with a variety of audiences, and advance their careers to new heights by embracing digitalization. Obstacles including restricted availability to the state of the arts production instruments and conventional copyright frameworks impede Nigeria's ability to fully leverage its digitization potential. The study suggests working together with institutions, stakeholders, and composers to create reliable mechanisms for documenting and archiving Nigerian art music compositions