Music and National Security in Nigeria: An Analysis of Social and Political Expressions

Abstract

This paper explores the role of music in shaping identity and societal norms in Nigeria, it and emphasises the historical and contemporary significance of music in promoting national security through political activism, social cohesion, and youth engagement. The theoretical framework is based on the Cultural Theory of Security, which posits that music influences national security by shaping national identity and public sentiment. Through a qualitative approach, the study analyses various songs and their impact on political movements, social unity, and national identity. The findings of this study explain that music plays an important role in fostering social cohesion, political activism, and youth engagement which in turn, foster national stability and security. The paper concludes by advocating for balanced promotion of indigenous music and cultural content to mitigate the risks of negative influences on national security.