The Role of Popular Culture in Political Rights, Discrimination, and Equality in Contemporary Nigerian Prose: a Study of Anietie Isong's Radio Sunrise and Lola Akinmade's in Every Mirror She Is Black

This study delves into the role of popular culture in shaping perceptions of political rights, discrimination, and equality in contemporary Nigerian prose. Focused on Anietie Isong's "Radio Sunrise" and Lola Akinmade Akerstrom's "In Every Mirror She is Black," the aim was to unravel the interplay between literature and societal issues. The textual analysis of the novels uncovered multifaceted themes, such as the commodification and corruption of journalism, struggles with identity in a (post) post-colonial context, the depiction of violence and injustice in the Niger Delta region, moral quandaries in a corrupt society, and the portrayal of love and relationships in a turbulent world. Findings suggest that these literary works offer profound insights into the socio-political landscape of Nigeria, acting as a mirror reflecting the complexities, challenges, and possibilities inherent in the nation's culture. Recommendations emerge as catalysts for fostering awareness, dialogue, and positive change in broader societal contexts. Advocacy for cultural literacy promotion, diverse media representation, empowerment of marginalized voices, cross-cultural dialogue, policy advocacy, media ethics education, empathy building through book clubs, international collaboration in literature, platforms for emerging voices, and continued scholarly engagement collectively form a comprehensive call to action.