A discursive construction of self in selected songs by Azeez Fashola (aka Naira Marley)

Abstract

Studies on Azeez Fashola (aka Naira Marley) have only made passing comments on his personality. Most of the comments present negative perceptions about the personality of Naira Marley (NM). Such negative commentaries, this study contends, are insufficient in describing the construction of identities in NM’s lyrics. This study investigates the construction of self in selected songs of NM with a view to describing what the construction of self reveals about his music. Twenty-five songs by NM constitute the study population. However, data were drawn from eight purposively selected singles of NM. Using a fusion of social constructionist theory and literary stylistics, the study situates NM’s lyrics in global hip hop culture to show the meeting and departure points between NM’s tropes and those of other artistes. The study reveals that contextual variables are deployed in the construction of identities in NM’s songs. Against the submission of scholars that the contents of NM’s lyrics are replete with negative realities, he articulates the prevalence of alcohol addiction and cyber fraud among Nigerian youths. He equally assumes the role of a social reformer. Apart from the danceable beats that garnish his lyrics, NM also articulates burning societal issues.