THE ROLE OF POPULAR DANCE TRENDS IN THE SUSTENANCE OF HYBRIDIZED GOSPEL MUSIC IN NIGERIA
Abstract
This study investigates the role of popular dance trends in sustaining the relevance and influence of hybridised gospel music in Nigeria. It asserts that integrating contemporary dance styles, often from secular youth culture, has revitalised gospel music by making it more relatable, especially to younger audiences in urban settings. The paper addresses a key concern: traditional gospel music's declining resonance with today’s youth due to cultural shifts, digital media influences, and changing musical tastes. Using qualitative methods, including a literature review, analysis of gospel music videos, and ethnographic observation of performances and worship services, the study reveals that dance plays a strategic and transformative role in Nigerian gospel music. Drawing from Performance Theory and Cultural Hybridisation Theory, the paper frames dance as both a ritualistic act of spiritual expression and a dynamic cultural product shaped by globalisation. The paper identifies several objectives: to explore how dance trends sustain gospel music's appeal, to examine their use in evangelism, and to assess the theological debates surrounding secular influences. Findings show that artists such as Testimony Jaga and Limoblaze successfully use dance to foster spiritual connection, enhance performance aesthetics, and promote gospel messages within and beyond church walls. However, this cultural blending has sparked controversy among religious leaders who fear a loss of sacred authenticity. In conclusion, the paper argues that dance is a powerful and necessary element in Nigeria's evolution of gospel music. It recommends a balanced, culturally aware approach to integrating popular dance with gospel traditions, encouraging collaboration between gospel artists and dancers, and promoting theological literacy about embodied worship practices. Future research should explore gospel dance's broader social and spiritual impacts on youth identity and community engagement.
