Political Messages in African Music: Assessing Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Lucky Dube and Alpha Blondy

Uche Onyebadi

doi:10.3390/h7040129

Abstract

Political communication inquiry principally investigates institutions such as governments and congress, and processes such as elections and political advertising. This study takes a largely unexplored route: An assessment of political messages embedded in music, with a focus on the artistic works of three male African music icons—Fela Anikulapo-Kuti (Nigeria), Lucky Dube (South Africa), and Alpha Blondy (Côte d’Ivoire). Methodologically, a purposive sample of the lyrics of songs by the musicians was textually analyzed to identify the themes and nuances in their political messaging. Framing was the theoretical underpinning. This study determined that all three musicians were vocal against corruption, citizen marginalization, and a cessation of wars and bloodshed in the continent.

Highlights

Music permeates significant aspects of African society, culture, and tradition. Adebayo (2017, p. 56)opined that “to the African, music is not just a pastime, it is a ritual” that describes the true essence and humaneness in being of African origin. Cudjoe (1953, p. 280) description of the place of music among theEwe people in Ghana typifies this African musical heritage
African politics and political activities are impacted by music
The history of colonialism and independence in the continent will be incomplete without adequate attention to the music and songs that were used to mobilize people to agitate for political freedom

Summary

Introduction

Music permeates significant aspects of African society, culture, and tradition. Adebayo (2017, p. 56)opined that “to the African, music is not just a pastime, it is a ritual” that describes the true essence and humaneness in being of African origin. Cudjoe (1953, p. 280) description of the place of music among theEwe people in Ghana typifies this African musical heritage. Music permeates significant aspects of African society, culture, and tradition. 280) description of the place of music among the. Ewe people in Ghana typifies this African musical heritage. He observed that “music has an important place in the social life of the Ewe people. There is no activity which does not have music appropriate to it: weaver, farmer and fisherman each sings in perfect time to the rhythmic movement of (one’s) craft. There is the great social music which accompanies religious, festive and ceremonial occasions”. African politics and political activities are impacted by music. The history of colonialism and independence in the continent will be incomplete without adequate attention to the music and songs that were used to mobilize people to agitate for political freedom.

Methods

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion