RETHINKING ARTIVISM IN CONTEMPORARY NIGERIAN MUSIC: A STUDY OF FOLARIN FALANA’S THIS IS NIGERIA AND JOHNNY

Abstract

This study examines socio-political artivism in contemporary Nigerian music, focusing on Folarin Falana’s This Is Nigeria and Johnny. Falz, a prominent Nigerian rapper, actor, and lawyer, leverages his music to interrogate systemic failures in Nigeria, including corruption, police brutality, insecurity, and religious hypocrisy. Using content analysis, the study applies Feldman’s art-critical performance theory to examine the thematic, structural, and performative dimensions of the selected songs. This Is Nigeria adapts the performative framework of This Is America to the Nigerian sociopolitical context, combining lyrics, imagery, and rhythm to highlight governance challenges and social decay. Johnny narrates the extrajudicial killing of a young man, revealing the human consequences of institutional corruption and police impunity. The analysis demonstrates that Falz’s music functions as both a reflective archive of societal challenges and a call for civic engagement, illustrating how political artivism can raise awareness and inspire collective action. By situating Falz’s songs within the framework of artivism, the study contributes to understanding music as a medium for social critique and transformative activism in contemporary Nigeria.