"THE IMPACT OF ART, MUSIC, AND RESISTANCE IN SOUTH AFRICA AND NIGERIA, 1970S-ONWARD: EXPLORING THE INTERSECTION OF APARTHEID/POST-APARTHEID AND PROTEST ART"

Abstract

Art has long served as a powerful tool for social commentary, resistance, and propaganda. This study explores how artists in Nigeria and South Africa have employed various media—particularly visual art and music—to challenge oppressive regimes, promote social change, and shape political thought. It critically examines the role of art in responding to apartheid, post-apartheid realities, and protest movements in both countries.Through a comparative analysis, the research investigates how artistic expressions reflect and confront systemic racism, oppression, and resistance. The study is grounded in Critical Race Theory, which provides a framework for understanding the intersection of race, power, and representation in art. A secondary research methodology was adopted, relying on scholarly articles, online resources, and conference reports to reach its findings. The primary objective is to evaluate the impact and role of artists in shaping anti-apartheid, post-apartheid, and protest art discourses. A secondary objective is to examine selected artists and their works, highlighting their contributions to the fight against racism and oppression. Lastly, the study traces the trajectory of resistance art from the 1970s to the present day in Nigeria and South Africa. This research is original in its comparative scope and offers insights into the socio-political influence of art across different historical contexts.