Beyond Rhythm: Peacebuilding Themes in Selected Hausa Music

Abstract

This study examines peacebuilding themes in Hausa music to highlight their contributions to the restoration of peace in northern parts of Nigeria. The study analyses two purposively selected examples of Hausa music that contain peacebuilding messages and were produced by different musicians. Adopting conflict transformation theory, the study explores how the musicians articulate peacebuilding messages and examines the use of music as an instrument for preaching peace in northern Nigeria. Findings from the content analysis and interviews with the musicians reveal that the music is largely attuned to the goal of forging peace. The results further show that various media organisations in northern parts of Nigeria and beyond are using these pieces of Hausa music in packaging programmes related to conflict and peace. The study concludes that Hausa music for peacebuilding represents one of the important perspectives through which peacebuilding messages have been articulated to audiences in northern Nigeria.