Music and Revolution: a Comparative Study of Old and Modern Nigerian Music Artists

Abstract This study examines the linguistic and cultural evolution of Nigerian music, comparing the works of old artists such as Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and Sonny Okosun with modern artists including Burna Boy and Wizkid. It investigates how shifts in language, themes, and musical style reflect broader changes in Nigeria’s socio-political environment and cultural identity. Adopting a qualitative research design and guided by Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis within the frameworks of Gramsci’s Cultural Hegemony Theory and Social Movement Theory, the study analyzes selected song lyrics and secondary data. Findings reveal that while old Nigerian musicians employed music primarily as a tool for activism, resistance, and cultural preservation, modern artists blend entertainment with occasional socio-political commentary, often influenced by globalization and technology. The analysis further shows that linguistic transitions—from indigenous languages to English and Nigerian Pidgin—mirror Nigeria’s evolving identity and global integration. Overall, the research concludes that Nigerian music remains a potent force for social commentary, cultural pride, and national consciousness, even as its form and focus continue to adapt to contemporary realities. Keywords: Nigerian music, revolution, Fela Kuti, Burna Boy, Afrobeats, language, culture, activism, discourse analysis.