CODE-SWITCHING IN SELECTED SONGS BY WIZKID: A STUDY OF LINGUISTIC AND CULTURAL EXPRESSION IN NIGERIAN HIP HOP

Abstract

Nigerian musicians often employ code-switching, blending English with other major Nigerian languages such as Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, and Nigerian Pidgin, with particular emphasis on Yoruba and Pidgin. This study aims to critically analyze selected albums by Wizkid within the Nigerian music industry. The data for this research focus on one artist, Wizkid. The objectives of the study are to examine the nature of code-switching, investigate its underlying causes, analyze its artistic impact, and explore the consequences of this practice for musical expression. It is observed that Nigerian artists utilize code-switching in their music to connect with their intended audiences.