Code-Switching as a Multilingual Performance in Selected Songs of Burna Boy and Asake

Student: Favour Chioma Orji (Project, 2025)
Department of English and Literary Studies
University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State

Abstract

This project explores code-switching as a multilingual performance in the music of Nigerian artistes-Burna
Boy and Asake. Through a qualitative analysis of some selected songs, this research examines how code-
switching functions as a creative device, negotiating language, identity, culture, and power dynamics. It
investigates how code-switching reflects the artistes multilingual identities and cultural affiliations and also
examines the role of code-switching in creating a unique sound and style. It also applies polylanguaging
theory, discourse analysis of lyrics and language use, purposive sampling of songs featuring code-switching.
All in the bid to gain insights into the linguistic and cultural dynamics of code-switching in Nigerian music,
to understand how code-switching shapes identity, culture and power dynamics, to contribute to the
growing field of multilingualism and language contact in music. This project attempts to expand the study
of code-switching beyond spoken language to music performance, offers a nuanced understanding of
language use in Nigerian popular culture. By examining code-switching in Burna Boy and Asake’s music,
this project showcases the complexities of multilingual performance and it’s significance in contemporary Nigerian culture.

Keywords
code-switching music language multilingual performance nigerian culture songs asake project
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