Negotiating youth identity in a transnational context in Nigeria

摘要

Russell Potter's concept of 'resistance vernaculars' (1995) is evident in the style and lyrics of Lgbj, a Nigerian musician who is currently popular among African youth at home and abroad. Youth identities based in Lgbj's music would appear to be a mere mimicry of US hip-hop. We demonstrate that Lgbj's work is not an imitation of an American resistance vernacular, however. Lgbj's music emphasises themes of hybridity and global cultural diversity. His music provides Nigerian youth with a means to break into other worlds and markets, as well as a way to access that which is global. His music also complements efforts by Nigerian political leaders to facilitate an African renaissance. In this light, Lgbj's music is a complex form of a resistance vernacular. Potter's concept is useful for considering the political dimensions to this music; however, it is limited for shedding light on Nigerian youth, their concerns and the role that popular youth music plays in the developing nation-state. This discussion is based on interviews conducted with Lgbj in 2005 and an analysis of his musical style and lyrics.