The Universal Language; Unpacking Music's Influence on Culture and Identity.

Music has formed an integral component of every culture, which certainly can't be disbanded or disharmonized. The elements of culture vary from one defined geographical region to another. However, music is one of the major features or characteristics that every culture possesses, irrespective of the part of the world they dominate; there is usually a sense of music integrated into their cultures.

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As we all know, the building blocks of every culture are language, food, dress, social norms and beliefs, rituals and ceremonies, history, and of course, music, among others. The generality of the impact or influence of music on culture is, sharpening an individual's moral beliefs and attitude; this influences will be further discussed below for more clarification on the subject matter.

The Influence of Music on Culture

• Music Protect the Extinction of Cultural Heritage: I grew up listening to some of Nigeria's Indigenous songs. The likes of King Wasiu Ayinde, Obesere, Haruna Ishola, Sefiu Alao, and Saheed Osupa songs. Honestly, it is not like I sit down with the stereo radio above my head while I listen to these songs with all keenness. No! It's more of a case of finding yourself in a situation that can't be sidelined.
  Cases, when cooking with Mama in the bamboo-made kitchen while Papa listened to the likes of this music to refresh and relax - I do not have impaired hearing after all, so at one point or the other, my ears catch the sound of the music.
  These folk songs were usually conjoined with stories of past events and teachings about historical events, and this, consequently, has aided the relaying of what has happened and how these occurrences presently affect us as a society. Also, these songs facilitate the transmission of sets of cultural beliefs, customs, and traditions from one generation to the next so that, while we try to evolve and embraces foreign cultures, one's cultures and heritage won't lose its place in our minds.

• Music Enhances Acquiring of Knowledge About Other Languages: There was this song with the popular lyrics "Zamina mina"" (Zangalewa) during the early 2000s that shook the Nigerian music industry greatly; it was a massive hit. Almost everyone listened to the song and tried mastering the dance moves of the song, both young and old. Meanwhile, the song is a Cameroonian song and sung in their native dialect, but the language barrier obviously, did not stop anyone from listening to the song.
  My point is music enables listeners to get familiar with other cultures' languages through their songs and also have insight into the daily lives and customs of other cultures.

Influence of Music on Individual's Identity.

• Music enables individuals to express and understand one's feelings
• Music helps individuals to rediscover themselves - we all tend to feel lost as we navigate our purpose in life; music is one of the solaces that we resort to in the midst of life's chaos.

Conclusively, as our world continues to evolve, so will music; however, its positive impact on and influence on our culture and identity will continually intensify.

© Medemausi

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