Examining Music and Language interface in a comparative study of Old and Contemporary Pop Music and their effects on Nigerian Youths

https://doi.org/10.36394/olijhe.2024.v.01i01.028

Abstract

The crux of this study is to examine how language is used in the lyrics of some selected old and contemporary pop music and the effects on Nigerian youths. A multi-sampling and comparative methods of analysis were adopted in the analysis of data. The study also adopted sociolinguistics as the theoretical model. Four songs were selected from old and contemporary artistes. The lyrics of their songs were categorized into vulgar, codified or inoffensive expressions and subjected to critical analysis and interpretation. Findings show that the lyrics of songs of old pop musicians were decorous with lucid language, that is language 
that is embedded with meaningful expressions and conform with societal values and norms. In the contrary, most of the expressions in emergent pop music were mostly erotic, substance abuse, thuggery, cybercrime, nudity, sexual abuse and fantasies amongst other social vices. The paper concludes that the nation is at great risk if contemporary artistes failed to 
emulate old musicians whose songs are full of wisdom and teach moral values and desist from producing songs that will have negative effects on the society. It is therefore recommended that government and regulatory body in charge of music production and promotion should discourage the production and sale of vulgar music. This is imperative for a sustainable peace, development and moral value in our society.