Marxism through Nigerian music. An analysis of selected songs of Segun Akinlolu and Folarin Falana

Table of Contents

1. CHAPTER ONE

1.1 General Introduction

1.2 Background of Study

1.3 Statement of Problem

1.4 Research Questions

1.5 Aim of Study

1.6 Significance of Study

1.7 Scope of Study

1.8 Theoretical Framework

1.9 Research Methodology

1.10 BACKGROUND OF SELECTED ARTISTES

1.10.1 Segun Akinlolu

1.10.2 Folarin Falana

2. CHAPTER TWO

2.1 INTRODUCTION

2.2 SOCIOLOGICAL SCHOOL OF THOUGHT

2.3 Importance of Marxism to Sociological School of Thought

2.4 Importance of Marxism to Literature

2.5 FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF MARX’S THOUGHT

2.5.1 Critique of Capitalist Society

2.5.2 Adaptation to Hegelian Dialectic

2.5.3 The Materialistic Conception of History

2.5.4 The Dialectical Movement of History

2.5.5 Economic Base and Superstructure

2.5.6 The Division of Labour

2.5.7 Marx’s Conception of Ideology

2.5.8 Marx’s Economic Views

2.5.9 The State and Marxism

2.5.10 Defining the term Music

2.5.11 Music and Emotions

2.5.12 Music as a tool for entertainment

2.5.13 Music and Identity

2.5.14 Marxism and Music

2.6 Conclusion

3. CHAPTER THREE

3.1 THEMATIC EVALUATION OF THE SONGS OF SEGUN AKINLOLU AND FOLARIN FALANA

3.2 General Introduction

3.3 A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF BEAUTIFUL NUBIA’S AND FALZ’S MUSICAL STYLE

3.4 IMOREMI

3.5 MATTERS ARISING BY BEAUTIFUL NUBIA

3.6 Recklessness and Dishonesty of Government

3.7 BOOSIT BY FALZ AND COBHAMS

3.8 WE LIVE HERE TOO

3.9 Revolutionary Tool of the Proletariat

3.10 MASTERS OF THE EARTH

3.11 HARVEST TIME

3.12 HIGHER STEPS

3.13 REVOLUTION TIME

3.14 THE PEOPLE ARE READY

3.15 War between Bourgeoisie and Proletariat

3.16 Exploitations by the Government on the Masses

3.17 OMINIRA

3.18 EVERYBODY KNOWS

3.19 Characteristics of a Marxist Society

3.20 LOCUST SEASON

3.21 THE SMALL PEOPLE’S ANTHEM

3.22 WEHDONE SIR

3.23 Conclusion

4. CHAPTER FOUR

4.1 Summary and Conclusion

4.2 Summary

4.3 Conclusion

Research Objectives and Core Themes

This research aims to analyze selected musical works by Segun Akinlolu (Beautiful Nubia) and Folarin Falana (Falz) through the lens of Marxist theory. It investigates how music transcends its entertainment function to act as a socio-political tool that exposes economic imbalances, government exploitation, and class struggles within the Nigerian context, ultimately seeking to understand the role of music as a catalyst for awareness and revolutionary thought.

• The application of Marxist critique to popular Nigerian music.
• The analysis of socio-economic delineation and class-based exploitation.
• The identification of ideological state apparatuses within societal structures.
• The role of the musician as a "societal crusader" and voice of the proletariat.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

CHAPTER ONE: This chapter introduces the study, outlines the research problems, objectives, and questions, and establishes the theoretical framework of Marxism as a means to evaluate societal imbalances.

CHAPTER TWO: This chapter reviews the Sociological School of Thought and Marxist principles, exploring concepts such as economic base, superstructure, ideology, and the relationship between music, identity, and emotions.

CHAPTER THREE: This chapter provides an intensive thematic analysis of selected songs by Beautiful Nubia and Falz, evaluating how their musical styles address political exploitation and economic inequality.

CHAPTER FOUR: This chapter provides a final summary of the research findings, concluding that music serves as a powerful, multi-functional tool for mirroring society and fostering critical awareness.

Keywords

Marxism, Proletariat, Bourgeoisie, Class Struggle, Exploitation, Socio-Economic, Ideology, Music, Nigeria, Revolution, Sociological Criticism, Cultural Studies, Political Corruption, Subjugation, Emancipation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this research?

The work examines how music is used beyond mere entertainment to expose socio-economic imbalances and the exploitation of the masses by the ruling class in Nigeria.

What are the primary thematic fields covered?

The research explores themes of class conflict, government dishonesty, systemic oppression, the role of religion in ideological manipulation, and the potential for revolution through artistic expression.

What is the main research objective?

The primary aim is to analyze how the selected songs by Beautiful Nubia and Falz reflect Marxist concepts and expose the ideological state apparatuses used to marginalize the proletariat.

Which scientific method is employed?

The study utilizes both content analysis and thematic analysis to evaluate lyrics, literary texts, and recurrent socio-political patterns found within the selected music.

What content does the main body address?

The main body systematically applies Marxist literary theory to analyze the lyrics of specific songs, categorizing them based on their critique of government, class disparity, and capitalist structures.

Which keywords characterize this work?

Key terms include Marxism, Proletariat, Bourgeoisie, Class Struggle, Exploitation, Socio-Economic, Ideology, and Music.

How does the author define the role of the musician in this study?

The author considers the artist as a "societal crusader," capable of using their platform to challenge colonial vestiges and advocate for an egalitarian society.

How do Beautiful Nubia and Falz differ in their approach to social critique?

Beautiful Nubia is portrayed as a traditional storyteller who utilizes rich Yoruba folklore and proverbs, whereas Falz is noted for his use of sarcasm, comedy, and a blend of contemporary hip-hop with accented lyrics to address the same societal ills.