Music as a Mediator: Cultural Peacebuilding and Non-Violent Conflict Resolution in the Niger Delta

Abstract

The Niger Delta in southern Nigeria is a region rich in oil and gas yet burdened by decades of environmental degradation, socio-economic marginalisation, and violent conflict. This study investigates how music, both indigenous and popular, functions as a cultural instrument for peacebuilding and non-violent conflict resolution in this troubled area. Moving beyond technical solutions and coercive measures, the research explores music’s ability to convey resistance, foster dialogue, and strengthen communal solidarity. Guided by Postcolonial and Arousal theories, the study employs a qualitative, documentary-analytical approach, drawing on archival materials, ethnographic accounts, and musical artefacts such as lyrics and performances. Through content, discourse, and songs analysis, the findings reveal that music in the Niger Delta is more than entertainment; it is a strategic tool that articulates grievances, promotes reconciliation, and constructs narratives of peace. By embedding messages of justice and unity within culturally resonant forms, music offers pathways for healing and inclusive dialogue. These insights underscore the potential of integrating cultural strategies into formal peacebuilding frameworks and open avenues for policy innovation and interdisciplinary research.