Popular music and contemporary youths’ perception of culture in Lagos State

Abstract

The place of music in contemporary society cannot be over-stated. The vibrant Nigeria music industry and space have become a global phenomenon. The purpose of the research adventure therefore, gears toward investigating how popular music help forge or form culture and cultural perception among youths in metropolitan city of Lagos. The relevance of this investigation will aid in planning for socio-moral, economic and political reforms/rebirth, and enable relevant authorities to make meaningful policies toward utilizing its positive impact for national development. To achieve this objective(s), the researcher deployed the qualitative method of research to elicit responses from research samples (participants) between the ages of 21 to 40 years old, in various areas in the research location, using the questions both structure and unstructured to gather primary data participants. It involved one on one interview sections as well as group discussion/interaction settings. Observation approach was also employed where necessary thereby achieving triangulation in order to achieve data validate. Finding shows that music, especially popular music is currently viewed by many in the research location as deity. Their lives revolve around it. Synthesis drawn from this revelation culminates in the fact that if the pace at which popular music is going in Nigeria continues, soon, Nigeria as a country will welcome a new religion in the form of sonic realms. The researcher, therefore concludes that major stake holders in the music industry especially in Lagos metropolis music be vigilant because of the negative impact is already impacting the society.