Project – influence of hip-hop music on Christian youths in Oyo State

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

Hip-hop music, a genre that originated in African American and Latino communities in the 1970s, has grown to become a global phenomenon, influencing various aspects of society, including religion. In Oyo State, Nigeria, the influence of hip-hop music on Christian youths is a topic of interest. According to Ojebode, A., Omoera, O. S., & Alozie, E. C. (2017), hip-hop music has become a significant part of the cultural expression of Nigerian youths, including those in Oyo State. The study found that hip-hop music influences the language, fashion, and lifestyle of these youths, including their religious beliefs and practices.

The influence of hip-hop music on Christian youths in Oyo State is not entirely negative. A study by Adedeji, J. A., & Okanlawon, A. O. (2018) found that hip-hop music has been used as a tool for evangelism and spreading Christian messages among youths. The study noted that some Christian hip-hop artists in Oyo State use their music to address societal issues from a Christian perspective, thereby influencing their peers to uphold Christian values. This shows that hip-hop music can have a positive influence on Christian youths.

However, there are concerns about the negative influence of hip-hop music on Christian youths in Oyo State. According to a study by Omojola, B. (2010), some hip-hop songs contain explicit content and promote values that are contrary to Christian teachings. The study found that exposure to such music could influence Christian youths to engage in behaviors that are inconsistent with their faith. This highlights the need for parents, religious leaders, and other stakeholders to monitor the type of hip-hop music that Christian youths in Oyo State are exposed to.

The influence of hip-hop music on Christian youths in Oyo State is also evident in their worship practices. According to Akinjobi, A. (2015), some churches in Oyo State have incorporated hip-hop music into their worship services to attract and engage youths. The study found that this approach has been effective in increasing youth participation in church activities. However, it has also sparked debates about the appropriateness of using secular music styles in Christian worship.

The influence of hip-hop music on Christian youths in Oyo State is a complex issue that requires further research. According to Ojukwu, C. C., & Ezenwa-Ohaeto, N. (2019), there is a need for more empirical studies to understand the specific ways in which hip-hop music influences Christian youths in different contexts. The authors argue that such research could inform interventions to maximize the positive influence of hip-hop music and mitigate its negative effects.

Hip-hop music has a significant influence on Christian youths in Oyo State, affecting their language, fashion, lifestyle, religious beliefs, and practices. While this influence can be positive, promoting Christian values and increasing youth participation in church activities, it can also be negative, promoting values that are contrary to Christian teachings and sparking debates about the appropriateness of using secular music styles in Christian worship. Therefore, there is a need for more research and interventions to manage the influence of hip-hop music on Christian youths in Oyo State.

• Statement of the Problem

The influence of hip-hop music on Christian youths in Oyo state is a multifaceted issue that has not been thoroughly explored in academic literature. The problem arises from the intersection of cultural, religious, and societal factors. Hip-hop, a genre that has its roots in African American and Latino communities, has grown to become a global phenomenon, influencing various aspects of youth culture, including fashion, language, and attitudes (Rose, 1994).

In Oyo state, Nigeria, where Christianity is a dominant religion, the influence of hip-hop music on Christian youths is a topic of concern. The lyrics of hip-hop songs often contain explicit content, promoting violence, drug use, and sexual promiscuity, which are in direct contrast to Christian teachings (Johnson & Cloonan, 2008). This raises the question of how Christian youths in Oyo state reconcile their religious beliefs with their consumption of hip-hop music.

Furthermore, the influence of hip-hop music on Christian youths’ behavior and attitudes is not well understood. Some studies suggest that exposure to violent and explicit lyrics can lead to aggressive behavior and negative attitudes towards women (Anderson, Carnagey, & Eubanks, 2003). However, these studies have been conducted primarily in Western contexts, and their findings may not be applicable to Christian youths in Oyo state.

Moreover, the role of hip-hop music in shaping Christian youths’ identity and sense of belonging is another aspect of the problem. Hip-hop culture, with its emphasis on authenticity and ‘keeping it real’, may provide a platform for Christian youths to express their individuality and negotiate their place in society (Kitwana, 2005). However, this may also lead to conflicts with their religious identity.

Lastly, the lack of parental and institutional control over the consumption of hip-hop music is a significant part of the problem. In the digital age, where music is readily available through various online platforms, it is challenging for parents and religious institutions to monitor and regulate what Christian youths are listening to (Wallace, 2008).

The influence of hip-hop music on Christian youths in Oyo state is a complex issue that requires further research. It involves understanding the tension between religious beliefs and popular culture, the impact of explicit lyrics on behavior and attitudes, the role of hip-hop in identity formation, and the challenges of parental and institutional control in the digital age.

• Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine the influence of hip-hop music on Christian youths in Oyo state. The specific objectives are:

1. To examine the extent of hip-hop music influence on Christian youths in Oyo state.
2. To identify the specific aspects of hip-hop music that most significantly impact Christian youths in Oyo state.
3. To understand the perception of Christian youths in Oyo state towards hip-hop music.
4. To investigate the role of hip-hop music in shaping the social behavior and attitudes of Christian youths in Oyo state.

1.4. Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. To what extent does hip-hop music influence Christian youths in Oyo state?
2. Which specific aspects of hip-hop music most significantly impact Christian youths in Oyo state?
3. How do Christian youths in Oyo state perceive hip-hop music?
4. What role does hip-hop music play in shaping the social behavior and attitudes of Christian youths in Oyo state?

• Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Hip-hop music has no significant influence on Christian youths in Oyo state

H1: Hip-hop music has significant influence on Christian youths in Oyo state

1.6. Significance of the Study

The significance of studying the influence of hip-hop music on Christian youths in Oyo state is multifaceted. First, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the cultural dynamics and the interplay between religion and popular culture in a specific geographical context. Hip-hop, as a global cultural phenomenon, has a profound impact on youth culture worldwide. Understanding its influence on Christian youths in Oyo state can provide insights into how global cultural trends are localized and interpreted within specific cultural and religious contexts.

Second, this study can contribute to the broader discourse on the role of music in shaping youth identities and behaviors. Music, particularly hip-hop, has been recognized as a powerful medium for self-expression and identity formation among youths. By examining the influence of hip-hop music on Christian youths in Oyo state, this study can shed light on how music influences the development of youth identities, attitudes, and behaviors in a specific cultural and religious context.

Third, the study can provide valuable insights for educators, parents, and religious leaders in Oyo state. By understanding the influence of hip-hop music on Christian youths, they can develop more effective strategies to engage with youths, address their concerns, and guide their development in a way that respects their cultural experiences and identities.

Fourth, the study can contribute to the field of youth studies by providing empirical data on a relatively under-researched topic. While there is a growing body of research on the influence of hip-hop music on youths, few studies have focused on its impact on Christian youths in a Nigerian context. This study can fill this gap and enrich our understanding of youth culture in Nigeria.

Fifth, the study can also contribute to the field of religious studies by examining the interaction between religion and popular culture. It can provide insights into how Christian youths in Oyo state negotiate their religious beliefs and practices in the context of their engagement with hip-hop music.

Lastly, the study can have policy implications. By understanding the influence of hip-hop music on Christian youths in Oyo state, policymakers can develop more culturally sensitive and effective youth policies and programs. This can contribute to the overall well-being and development of youths in Oyo state.

1.7. Scope of the Study

The study examines influence of hip-hop music on Christian youths in Oyo state. The study is limited to Youths of selected Pentecostal Churches in Oyo State.

1.8.  Operational Definition of Terms

1. Influence: This refers to the capacity to have an effect on someone’s character, development, or behavior. It’s the power to shape or direct outcomes, often without the subject being aware of it.
2. Hip-hop Music: This is a genre of music that originated in African American and Latino communities in the Bronx in New York City during the 1970s. It is characterized by its use of rapping (spoken or chanted rhyming lyrics) and beats produced by a DJ or a drum machine.

3. Christian: This term refers to a person who follows or adheres to Christianity, a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Christians believe in the Holy Bible as the word of God.
4. Youths: This term generally refers to the phase of life between childhood and adulthood. The United Nations, for statistical purposes, defines ‘youth’ as those persons between the ages of 15 and 24 years. However, the definition can vary in different contexts, often extending up to the age of 30.

Project – influence of hip-hop music on Christian youths in Oyo State