The role of music in leadership: a case study of the governance of Imo State from 2011-2019

Abstract

It is almost resulting to overemphasis to state that music is as old as man, since it is close to impossible to picture a particular time when nature did not furnish man and his society with music. It is equally safe to opine that ever since the need arose for humanity to exist in society as against isolationism, leadership has been present in various shades and with varying degrees of opposition and acceptance. In all civilizations and societies past and present, there has always been a both covert and overt relationship of interdependency between music and leadership since the duo have a common objective which is to better humanity and make the human society efficient, safe and productive. In line with the facts above, this article unveiled the numerous roles which music has played in leadership and vice versa, using their relationship as seen in the governance of Imo State from 2011-2019 as case study. The method used, involved both personal observations of the author as an active member of this society, analysis of the works of some socio-political commentators, analysis of the activities, associations and alliances forged by some political and economic leaders of this society under study, presentation, interpretation and analysis of some musical tracks which have had swaying effects on the trajectory of leadership and the reactions of the masses to these songs. The study discovered that aside the entertainment function of music in this society, it was a strong determinant factor for the ways by which leaders related with the masses and vice versa and was also very instrumental in determining the level of acceptance which the masses conferred on their leaders. The author concluded this study by recommending that political and economic leaders should build on this relationship and partner with musicians to chart a path for functional, efficient and more rewarding humanity.

Keywords: Music, Musician, Leadership, Governance, Imo State