Nigerian Popular Music: Its Problems and Prospects in Development

Abstract

There is hardly any aspect of life without the involvement
of any of the diverse arrays of styles existing in Nigerian
popular music scene. The appeal of this genre cuts across
class, ethnicity, age, sex and faith, thus affecting millions
of lives. Consequently, the contribution of Nigerian popular
music cannot be quantified. This paper examines the trend
in the evolution of popular music, the challenges faced by
the music industry, the role and contributions of popular
music in development, and finally makes recommendations
for the optimal development of the industry. Among other
findings, the study revealed that the most successful
compositions are those whose lyrics capture the concerns
and are involved in the development of the society. Hence
gospel musicians have more patronage than other types
of popular music. Popular music which the populace from
diverse affiliations and background identifies with, helps
create new identities and forge broad cultural solidarity
which contributes in no small measure to sustainable
development of the country.