Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The influence of foreign music on the lifestyle of Nigerian youths, particularly in the city of Warri, Delta State, has become a subject of growing interest and concern in recent times. This research project aims to explore the extent to which foreign music impacts the behaviors, preferences, and overall lifestyle choices of youths in Warri. The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys, interviews, and content analysis of popular foreign music genres among the youth population in Warri. The research will delve into the reasons why Nigerian youths, specifically in Warri, are drawn to foreign music, examining factors such as globalization, cultural exchange, and the appeal of Western lifestyles portrayed in these songs. By analyzing the consumption patterns and attitudes towards foreign music, the study seeks to uncover the underlying motivations and influences driving the adoption of foreign music within the local youth culture. Furthermore, the project will investigate the potential effects of foreign music on various aspects of youths' lives, including fashion choices, language use, social interactions, and cultural identity. By exploring how foreign music shapes perceptions of self-expression and identity among Nigerian youths in Warri, the research aims to provide insights into the complex interplay between music, culture, and lifestyle. Through qualitative interviews with a diverse sample of youths and content analysis of popular foreign music videos and lyrics, the study will examine the ways in which foreign music contributes to the construction of social norms, values, and aspirations among the youth population in Warri. Additionally, the research will explore the role of social media and digital platforms in mediating the influence of foreign music on the lifestyle choices of Nigerian youths. Overall, this research project seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of the multifaceted relationship between foreign music and youth culture in Nigeria, with a specific focus on the city of Warri, Delta State. By shedding light on the impacts of foreign music on the lifestyle choices and cultural identities of Nigerian youths, the study aims to inform discussions on cultural globalization, music consumption, and youth development in contemporary Nigerian society.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION
1.1   BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
The advent of foreign music like the hiphop, Reggae, Rock & Roll, R & B, rap, jazz etc in Nigeria has been a welcome phenomenon, while some people believe it has created a massive and unappealing change in the life of the youths, insisting it’s slowly but surely wiping out the Nigerian culture coupled with the perception that the whole world is emulating America in a lot of ways, and Nigeria is no exception (Leadership Newspaper, 2014).

It is a known fact that in the 21st century, young Nigerians frequently cite Jay-Z and other foreign artist as their favorite artist. American musics has provided a blueprint for the rest of the world to appropriate and build new cultural formations that manifest in music and identity. Yet, the subtitle of Jay-Z’s Blueprint 2 album, “The Gift and The Curse” is an apt description for the complexity of the relationship between African American culture and Nigerian youth identity, which also impacts Nigerian popular music (Adeolu, 2011).

The foreign music culture has affected the way many young people and even the elderly see themselves in Nigeria. Many female contemporary musicians want to be like Beyonce, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Nicky Minaj, etc. They put on skimpy clothes that expose all their natural endowments, ignoring the kind of society they belong. They move around in shorts that could pass as underwear for men. Their male counterparts put on clothes that don’t correspond with the weather just because they want to appear cool. Still, to some extent, the personal style of Nigerian music artistes is quite distinct. For example, Phyno, who is known for weaving the Igbo dialect into his music, has endeared fans all over the world with his funky hairstyle and skinny pants. On the other hand, Olamide, from the yoruba cultural setting, usually has a mix of western and local outlook in his dressing and this goes a long way to influence the lifestyle of their fans.
Many Nigerian artistes, as mentioned earlier, strive to be like foreign entertainers, at the expense of their own cultural values and modes of expression. When they put down lyrics, they are usually replete with words and expressions quite alien to the conservative society they belong. While technology has enhanced acceptability of otherwise strange phenomenon, many Nigerians frown at the continued denudation of our culture.

Warri is a city in Delta State, Nigeria. It is an oil hub in Southern Nigeria and houses an annex of the Delta State Government House. It served as the colonial capital of the then Warri Province. It shares boundaries with Ughelli/Agbarho, Sapele, Okpe, Udu and Uvwie although most of these places, notably Udu, Okpe and Uvwie, have been integrated to the larger cosmopolitan Warri. Osubi houses an airport that serves the city. Effurun serves as the gateway to and the economic nerve of the city. Towns in the Warri metropolis include: Ogbe-Ijo, Aladja, Ekurede Itsekiri, Jakpa, Ubeji, Ugbuwangue, Ifie-Kporo, Egbokodo Itsekiri, Ajamimogha, Pessu, Koko, Ugbolokoso, Ugborodo, Ajagbodudu, Iyara, Ode-Itsekiri (Big Warri), Osubi, Effurun, Enerhen, Ugborikoko, Agbarho, Deco, Okuokoko, Ebrumede, DSC Township, Ugbomro, Edjeba, Ekurede-Urhobo, Okere, Agbassa, Ogidigben, Gbaramatu, among others.