Event

Ruth Opara

Songs and Female Names in Contemporary Nigeria: A Mother's Prayer or Men's Muse?

January 28, 2025 (Tuesday) — 5:15 PM to 7:00 PM

Lerner Center 101
Penn Music Building
201 S. 34th Street, Room 101

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In what ways do songs featuring female names influence identity and emotional resonance among listeners? The release of Davido’s song “Assurance,” dedicated to his “girlfriend” Chioma, sparked widespread excitement. Amid rumors of infidelity, the lyrics, resonating with Chioma’s name, assured her of Davido’s commitment to their relationship. The groovy tempo, blending Highlife and pop, captivated diverse age groups across Nigeria and the diaspora. Notably, younger women named Chioma expressed enthusiasm, envisioning the song at their weddings. Similarly, Flavour’s song, “Chimamanda,” had a profound impact, popularizing the name influenced by the literary icon Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Mothers bestow “Chimamanda” for its meaning, symbolizing a mother’s prayer for a happy home and the children’s success. Focusing on select songs across genres, this presentation examines the role of female names in Nigerian songs, addressing their cultural, emotional, and artistic significance, influencing identities, relationships, and resistance while contributing to the dynamic Nigerian musical landscape. It contributes a new perspective to the growing onomastic literature with its timely focus on the intersection of music and naming.

BIO

Ruth Opera is an Assistant Professor of Music at Colombia University. Her research centers on African and African diasporic music and knowledge production. Specifically, music and decolonial discourse, women in music, music and gender, and African music and transnational encounters. As a practitioner, a teacher, and a scholar who has lived and taught on the African continent and the diaspora, Ruth successfully straddles both world’s musical cultures. She is working on her current book on the intersection of music and motherhood.

ATTENDANCE & REGISTRATION

This event is free and open to the public. If you attend in person, there is no need to register. We ask that you join us in person if at all possible, but for those of you who are unable to physically attend we encourage you to participate via Zoom. Please use the link to attend virtually.

ABOUT COLLOQUIUM

This lecture is part of the 2024-25 Penn Music Colloquium Series. The Department of Music's main Colloquium Series showcases new research by leading scholars in music and sound studies and composers both in the United States and internationally.  All Music Colloquia will take place in Room 101 of the Lerner Center on Tuesdays at 5:15 PM.