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Multilingualism in Nigerian Hip Hop: A Potential source of Lexical Innovations and Emergence of Nigerian Youth Language and Sociolect
Get PDFThe overall purpose of this paper is to explore the linguistic contributions
of hip-hop music to the Nigerian multilingual society. This objective is
informed by what appears to be a stereotyped notion that hip-hop music
is all about the use of profane and taboo language. In an attempt to prove
such negative ideas about hip-hop wrong, such lead questions as what
the linguistic resources that constitute this emergent sociolect in Nigeria
are; their sources of vocabulary, vocabulary patterns as well as evidence of
lexical innovations it has brought to Nigerian linguistic society are tackled.
Employing Exploratory Interview theory and qualitative research approach
aimed at collecting data to unravel these linguistic issues, the researcher
interacts and elicits information from varied stakeholders in the hip-hop
music. Qualitatively, the researcher visited the promoters and fans of hip-hop in Sabon Gari area of Kano, Nigeria to ascertain orally the varied meanings in
the lyrics. The music albums of the current top thirteen Nigerian hip-hop stars
were studied as representative samples. It is concluded that besides being a
huge source of lexical innovation and a vehicle for showcasing the nation’s
linguistic repertoire to the outside world, youth language in Nigerian hip
hop, now serves as a bridge that hybridises virtually all the languages spoken
in Nigeria
The Construal of Yoruba Colour Philosophy and Symbolism
Get PDFThis article examines the construal of colour symbolism in the indigenous
culture of the Yoruba people. The article assessed colour sources, indigenous
values, importance and its classification in the Yoruba indigenous milieu. The
crust of this article is established on colour in the idiom of Yoruba philosophy.
The appraisal finally focused on the Yoruba aesthetics, values, religion and
colour healing therapy using descriptive method in achieving the objectives.
It was observed that foreign language, technology and religion poses treats
to Yoruba colour culture. It concluded that colour and its associate in the
Yoruba philosophy is fast disappearing because of lack of tenet theories on
colours through which Yoruba colour identity could be preserved. Therefore, there is need for revisiting and reviving theories of colour representation in Yoruba worldview for posterity
Aesthetical Discourse on ‘Unity Monument’ and its Role in Peace-Building in Simpa, Ghana
Get PDFThis study was informed by the art-based approach to peacebuilding and unity to situate the Unity Monument as a didactic symbol of unity and peace in Simpa. The illustrative case study design was used in conjunction with semiotics to discuss the aesthetical connotations of the unity monument in relation to its nexus to unity and peace in Simpa. Simpa has experienced a protracted chieftaincy feud which resolution continue to hang around the neck of Kingmakers like an albatross. Many approaches have been explored to no avail. What is missing, is the use of art-based approaches to peace. Through literature review, interviews, and observations data was collected from a sample of nine (9) respondents chosen through purposive and convenience sampling techniques to advance an aesthetical discourse and solicit public opinions on the monument as a viable peacebuilding edifice. The findings revealed a threesome perspective from aesthetes who only consume the hedonistic nature of the monument; the optimists who relate to the unity and peace message in the monument and the skeptics who despite their inclination to the monument as a symbol of unity, doubted its potency in the unity and peace narrative of Simpa. We concluded that while art-based approaches could only do so much, this monument was nonetheless a valid ally (visual reminder) and a physical instantiation to the quest for unity and peace in Simpa
AESTHETICS OF THE RAMPAGEOUS BODY: INVESTIGATING BODY IDOLISATION AMONG GHANAIAN YOUTH
Get PDFThis study investigates the phenomenon of body idolisation among Ghanaian
youth, exploring its underlying motivations, cultural influences, and broader
societal implications. Adopting a phenomenological approach, the research
examines how young people perceive their bodies as instruments of
empowerment, self-expression, and social validation. The analysis highlights the
growing dominance of visual-centric paradigms, the loosening of traditional
cultural norms, and the impact of global influences in shaping contemporary
body aesthetics. These evolving practices generate tensions between individual
self-expression and societal expectations, reflecting a broader negotiation
between tradition and modernity. The findings contribute to the global discourse
on body image and aesthetics, offering valuable insights for educators,
policymakers, and other stakeholders. The study underscores the need for a
balanced approach that acknowledges youth agency while fostering informed
aesthetic considerations. It advocates for a deeper societal understanding of
body idolisation, enabling constructive engagement with the trend and guiding
young people in navigating the complexities of bodily self-presentation
TEACHING DANCE THROUGH VIDEO TECHNOLOGY: THE CASE OF SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS DANCE DEPARTMENT LEGON
Get PDFIn Africa where the acquisition of traditional dance knowledge is essential through life-long participation in activities connected with this art form, the application of video technology to the teaching of dance and its related arts of music, drama and the visual arts, will not only help shorten the learning and teaching processes. It is hoped that this will result in improved methods of preservation and documentation. The quest for higher and quality education has always been paramount on Ghana’s Agenda. The Department of Dance Studies at the University of Ghana and other institutions nationwide with over 50 years of dance education have faced many challenges in attempts to fulfill some educational obligations. The above may be attributed to the complexity of dance as a fleeting phenomenon, which sometimes makes the teaching of this art form a daunting challenge for both teachers and learners. As the combination of video, computers and internet application becomes increasingly useful in many areas of society, the need for its application in various aspects of the arts is becoming increasingly important. With particular focus on the Damba Takai dance from the northern region of Ghana, this paper will examine the use of video technology as an aid to the development of a codification system for the teaching of Ghanaian dances
WHERE DO WE KEEP THE GODS? GALAMSEY, SACRED ECOLOGY AND THE CRISIS OF SUSTAINABILITY IN GHANA
Get PDFIn Ghana, where rivers are revered as abodes of deities, illegal gold mining (galamsey)
is not just an environmental crisis – it is a spiritual catastrophe. This study interrogates
the paradox of galamsey’s economic appeal versus its desecration of sacred
ecosystems, asking: Where do we keep the gods when their habitats are destroyed? The
insatiable desire of man in the search for precious minerals such as gold in the
ecosystem has become the craze in the Ghanaian ecology in recent times. The
phenomenon Galamsey which literary means gather and sell in recent times has been
in competition with the conservation and sustainability of natural reserves especially
water bodies in the ecosystem. Considering the sacred nature of these water bodies
which are believed to be the haven of the gods and ancestral worship, the livelihood
and preserve of these natural resources are a cause for concern. The paper utilised the
Afrocentric theory and qualitative paradigm as its methodological stance and used
interviews, archival documents as its data collection instruments. The analytical tool
used was document analysis. It was revealed that polluted rivers are considered
‘abandoned by the gods’, eroding communal trust in traditional ecological knowledge.
Thus, the conservation and sustainability of the environment could be achieved if man
sees nature as human as himself. It concludes that for friendly co-existence man must
protect and preserve the ecology from its gradual disappearance from the activities of
galamsey
Exploration of the Filigree Technique in Metalsmithing for Design and Fabrication of Photorealistic Bust
Get PDFCurling, twisting and plaiting of fine pliable threads of precious metals and arranging them in a precise pattern after which it is fixed by soldering is the technique of filigree which is predominately used in jewellery making. Metalsmiths are sometimes restricted by objects that can be created using the filigree technique, due to its elaborate and yet delicate nature of the technique, which only allows for the creation of big size objects by using of a lesser amount of metal. Hence, the study aimed at exploring a new materials and methods for the preservation of the filigree techniques by determining whether the limitations in producing artefacts other than jewellery-scaled design irrespective of the sizes and the design could be overcome. This was achieved by applying the filigree technique in jewellery making to design and produce a life-sized photorealistic bust. The researchers used the studio-based methods under the qualitative research approach. The results of the study contradict the notion that application of filigree technique in metal crafts is confined to jewellery-scale designs. On the contrary, metalsmiths and jewellers stand the chance of producing any artefacts with filigree techniques if they adopt proper workshop practices with right materials, notwithstanding the design and size of the artwork to be produced. This means that thinking of a filigree technique for a specific work has to be broaden based on the principles of the design in terms of its function, aesthetics, cost and support not forgetting its practicality, operability, protection as well as safety. It is hereby suggested that further studies should be carried out to ascertain if the filigree technique can be combined with other techniques such as granulation, etching, casting as well as chasing and Repoussé techniques for the creation of metal artefacts other than jewellery and its related items
CELEBRATING INNOVATORS OF THE TOTAL THEATRE SCENE DESIGN, STAGE ARCHITECTURE AND SPACE
Get PDFThe need for the creative forces of the playwright, the directors, actors,
designers and architects as well as the dexterity of the general crew
to forge and constitute a cohesive, force effort in the development
of a successful theatre production cannot be over-emphasized. If
as artists, we are to fully appreciate the impact of what the likes of
Adolph Appia, Gordon Craig and the doyenne Efua Sutherland spent
a large part of their lifetime to achieve in order that theatre might
be what it is today, and ought to be in the already-here tomorrow
and the inseparable interplay of the academic thinker’s invaluable
inferences and the practically creative academic’s tangible exhibitions
and demonstrations
From Students’ Pop Band to a Trans-African International Band: A Historical Case Study of Ghana Bigshots Band
Get PDFThe purpose of this study was to construct a concise historical narrative
of the formation, development, survival and internationalisation of
the Ghana Bigshots Band. It is quite unusual for a pop band to emerge
from a Ghanaian university and still survive after school, considering
both the academic and industry challenges. The Ghana Bigshots
Band, arguably Ghana’s first modern ‘Afro-fusion’ band emerged
from a university and came to international prominence. The band
has broken the myth of the ‘ivory tower’, where the academia
disassociates itself from the realities of the society. Employing
interview and documentary research for data collection, the paper
consequently unravels that the transition from students’ pop band
to a trans-African international band was capital intensive. However,
the consistency of maintaining an African identity in the band’s
compositions and the ideology of blending tradition and modernity
accounted for its survival and internationalisation. This study, is, therefore, recommended as a roadmap for student-musicians who wish
to take their craft beyond the academic enclave
The Emergence of Female Juju Artistes in Southwestern Nigeria: An Appraisal
Get PDFIt is observed that gender imbalance in Nigerian popular music studies,
especially Juju music, over the years, was as a result of male chauvinism which
is prevalent in popular music scene. This has contributed to the little scholarly
attention paid on the female Juju artistes. Therefore, this paper assesses the
emergence of female Juju artistes in Southwestern Nigeria. This is with a view
to providing information on the involvement of female Juju artistes which
has been largely neglected in research based on liberal feminist theory of
Hook (1984). Both primary and secondary sources of data were employed
for the study. The primary data includes unstructured oral interview with
two purposively selected females and a male Juju artiste; Ayotunde Balogun,
Titilayo Oguntoyinbo and Admiral Dele Abiodun. Interview conducted with
the male Juju artiste, being one of the living legends of the genre, is to further
unearth the period of emergence of the first female Juju artiste. The study also examines one song each of the two purposively selected female artistes.
The secondary source in form of books, journal articles, magazine and the
internet were also consulted. Findings show that the appearance of Queen
Oladunni Oduguwa (popularly called Mummy Juju) and her Decency Unity
Orchestra Juju band in the early 1970s, marked the period of emergence of
female artistes in the Juju music performance. The study concludes that the
presence of female Juju artistes in musicological studies had reflected gender
equity in the Juju music scene, thereby increasing women’s opportunity for
liberation in the African society