Advocating for Environmental Sustainability in Nigeria: The Role of Church Choirs

Abstract

The dialogue between music and environmentalism is in its infancy, and creativity continually carves new pathways for addressing ecological discourse. The purpose of this article is to analyse how Nigerian church choirs disseminate ecological concern through sacred music. This article will employ an interdisciplinary theoretical framework drawn from ecotheology, music and social change, and participatory communication to qualitatively analyse the process by which Nigerian church choirs disseminate ecological concern through sacred music. Drawing on interviews with church directors, choristers, and church officials, and a thematic analysis of church choirs' repertoires of sacred music, this article uncovered four emergent themes: a theologically rooted inspiration; music as an instrument of ecological awareness; an emboldened community; and institutional limitations. Ultimately, Nigerian church choirs' creative synthesis of scripture and local musical traditions encourages spiritual growth while motivating localised engagement and ecological advocacy; the findings are significant for the literature on faith-based environmentalism and sacred music for social change.