The end of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970 marked a critical period in the country’s socio-political evolution, during which the rebuilding of national unity and the fostering of a collective identity were prioritised. By means of a critical discourse analysis of Highlife lyrics and a historical appraisal of the genre’s impact in Nigeria, the role of Highlife music as a cultural agent in the processes of national reconciliation and nation-building during the post-war era is investigated in this study. The study reveals that Highlife was not only employed as a tool for entertainment, but was also utilised as a socio-political instrument through which ethnic divides were bridged, collective national identity reinforced. Through multilingual lyrics, regionally inclusive styles, and accessible rhythms, significant contributions were made by Highlife music to the fostering of unity among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic communities. Fresh insight is provided by this study into the ways in which indigenous music can be employed as a vehicle for cultural healing, policy formation, and identity consolidation in post-conflict settings. The findings underscore the need for greater recognition to be given to music’s capacity to support national development and cohesion in transitional societies.
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