Classification of Nigerian Gospel Music Styles

Abstract

Gospel music in Nigeria, a distinct christian musical genre on one hand and a part of popular culture on the other has witnessed diverse innovations in the contemporary time; a trend which has led to the evolution of diverse styles. The study of the definitive concepts, historical background and musical qualities of the styles is the main thrust of this paper. From the findings, the styles could be classified into three broad categories, which are, indigenous, ‘foreign', and the ones derived from popular musical forms. The paper therefore reveals the similarities and the distinguishing elements, thus opening the door to the comparative study of the styles and between Nigerian and other foreign gospel music styles.

Nigerian Music Review Vol.5 2004: 62-80