NIGERIAN PIDGIN ENGLISH AS A LINGUA FRANCA IN POPULAR MUSIC
Keywords:
Nigerian Pidgin English (NPE), Lingua franca, Afrobeats, Lyrics, Musical inclusivity.Abstract
This article investigates the pivotal role of Nigerian Pidgin English (NPE) as a lingua franca in shaping contemporary Nigerian popular music, with a primary focus on its musical implications within the globally influential Afrobeats genre. Emerging from colonial contact, NPE has become Nigeria's most accessible unifying language, profoundly influencing lyrical composition, rhythmic delivery, and audience engagement in a multilingual nation. Drawing on ethnomusicological and sociolinguistic analysis, the study traces NPE's integration from early highlife and Afrobeat to its dominance in modern Afrobeats and hip-hop. Through close examination of lyrics by leading artists such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Rema, and Asake, it demonstrates how Pidgin's simplified syntax, expressive slang, and code-switching enhance melodic flow, vocal phrasing, and rhythmic vitality, contributing to the genre's infectious appeal and dance-oriented aesthetics. Findings highlight NPE's contribution to musical inclusivity, enabling artists to reach diverse domestic audiences while facilitating Afrobeats' international resonance evident in viral hooks and global collaborations. Despite linguistic stigma, Pidgin empowers creative authenticity and cultural hybridity in Nigerian music production. In conclusion, NPE stands as a transformative musical resource that drives innovation in Nigerian popular music, reinforcing Afrobeats' sonic identity and global dominance. Its strategic use underscores music's capacity to transcend linguistic barriers, fostering stylistic cohesion and expressive depth.References
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