Bridging Generations: Unpacking the Intersection of Tradition and Innovation in Nigerian Music - A Symposium Convened by Prof. Albert Oikelome

Nigeria's music scene has long been a melting pot of traditional and modern styles, with indigenous genres like highlife, fuji, juju, and Afrobeat blending seamlessly with emerging styles such as Afrobeats, street-pop, and hip-hop. At the heart of this evolution is the "street," which drives musical innovation, shapes language, aesthetics, and performance, and reflects everyday struggles and aspirations.

The New Heritage Series Four music symposium, convened by Prof. Albert Oikelome, brought together scholars, musicians, and industry stakeholders to explore the intersection of traditional and street-driven music. The event, which took place on February 11, 2025, at the Department of Music (Organ House), Mountain Top University, aimed to foster a discourse on achieving progress through change and continuity.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Oikelome emphasized the need to preserve heritage while incorporating modern innovations in a meaningful way. "We must not castigate the 'new' at the expense of the 'old,'" he said. "Instead, we must strive to understand how heritage and innovation can interact and enrich each other."

Gbenga Zacchaeus, a renowned music producer, stressed the importance of intentional collaboration between academia and the creative industry.

"We must bridge the gap between the 'town' and the 'gown,'" he said. "By working together, we can create a more vibrant and sustainable music industry."

Dr. Chinedu Osinigwe and Dr. Segun Titus also advocated for active engagement, highlighting the need for researchers and practitioners to collaborate and create a melting pot of ideas.

They also pointed out that while contemporary popular musicians thrive financially, researchers often write papers that remain buried in obscure journals.

Dr. Florence Nweke on the other hand challenged negative perceptions of "street" musicians, arguing that they have the listening ears of their generation.

She emphasized the need for scholars and cultural enthusiasts to explore ways to leverage their influence and shape cultural narratives.

This call for collaboration and mutual learning between the "town" and the "gown" was a key takeaway from the symposium, paving the way for a more inclusive and impactful approach to heritage preservation and artistic evolution.

Some of the other speakers at the event includes Odulate Ibukunoluwa Olaoluwa who spoke on the Future of Music in a Digital Age and Dr Grace Olaoluwa from

The Department of Creative Arts, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria

The New Heritage Series Four music symposium marked a significant milestone in the evolution of Nigerian music. 

By bringing together scholars, musicians, and industry stakeholders, the event highlighted the need for collaboration, innovation, and mutual learning.

As Nigerian music continues to thrive and evolve, it is clear that the intersection of tradition and innovation will remain a key driver of its success. We encourage readers to support local musicians, attend music festivals, and engage in conversations about the future of Nigerian music.

By doing so, we can ensure that Nigerian music continues to flourish, inspiring generations to come.