Bringing West Africa reggae and dancehall music into global conversation

Reggae and dancehall music have long been recognized as influential genres that carry both cultural rhythms and messages of resistance. Emerging in Jamaica during the 1960s and 1970s, these genres became the soundtrack for youth rebellion against oppressive systems, particularly in colonial and post-colonial contexts. While research on reggae and dancehall is extensive in regions like the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, and the United States, the study of West African contributions to these genres has only just begun.

At the forefront of this research is Dr. Mopelolade Ogunbowale, an ethnographer, researcher, and educator currently working as an Assistant Professor of African Popular Music at the University at Buffalo, USA. With a focus on Nigeria, Dr. Ogunbowale is shining a spotlight on how these genres have shaped social movements and cultural identity across West Africa. Her current book project, The Spirit is the Music: Power, Creativity, and Resistance in Nigerian Reggae-Dancehall Music, captures the untold stories of Nigeria’s reggae and dancehall practitioners, particularly those from Lagos’ urban poor communities.

Music as a Tool for Survival and Resistance
Dr. Ogunbowale’s research reveals how musicians in Nigeria’s urban slums, such as Ajegunle, have not only carved out a vibrant music industry despite economic hardship but have also contributed to national discourse on issues such as good governance, environmental justice, and gender equality. Through oral histories and ethnographic research, her work brings the voices of these artists to the forefront, showcasing how music becomes a means of survival, economic empowerment, and activism.

“Reggae and dancehall music in West Africa, especially in Nigeria, is a reflection of the urban poor’s resilience and ingenuity,” says Dr. Ogunbowale. “In the face of poverty and marginalization, these musicians create music that speaks to their realities and challenges the status quo.”
These genres have sparked youth movements and subcultures across West Africa, with their roots firmly planted in the revolutionary ethos of their Jamaican counterparts. Nigerian musicians, sound engineers, disc jockeys, and entrepreneurs in the reggae and dancehall scene have built a thriving community that not only entertains but also educates and empowers.

Beyond her research, Dr. Ogunbowale is committed to advancing the study of West African reggae and dancehall music on a global scale. She is mentoring the next generation of scholars and researchers in the field of African popular music studies, working to ensure that West Africa’s contributions to reggae and dancehall receive the recognition they deserve.

At the University at Buffalo, she has developed award-winning curriculum, including the course Understanding African Popular Music, which introduces students to the rich history and sociological significance of West African music. Her goal is to broaden the scope of popular music studies to include African perspectives that have been historically underrepresented in academic discourse.

In an effort to preserve the cultural heritage of West African reggae and dancehall, Dr. Ogunbowale is working alongside scholars, musicians, archivists, and photographers to develop a digital archive dedicated to the genres. This ambitious project will provide students, researchers, and music lovers with access to a wealth of materials including newspaper articles, academic papers, songs, and oral histories. The archive will serve as a one-stop destination for the study of reggae and dancehall music in West Africa, ensuring that these musical forms receive the scholarly attention they deserve.

Though the initial phase of the archive focuses on Nigeria, Dr. Ogunbowale plans to expand her research to neighboring countries such as Ghana, Mali, and Burkina Faso, creating a pan-African collective that will foster cross-border collaboration in the field of popular music studies.

A Timely and Essential Mission

Dr. Ogunbowale’s work is both revolutionary and timely, particularly in light of the global rise of African popular music forms such as Afrobeats and Amapiano. While these genres dominate global airwaves today, Dr. Ogunbowale’s research is a reminder that other African music traditions, like reggae and dancehall, have played an equally important role in shaping Africa’s cultural and political landscape.

Her scholarly mission is to ensure that these contributions are not overlooked in the global conversation about African music. Through her research, teaching, and archival work, Dr. Ogunbowale is working to cement West Africa’s place in the global study of reggae and dancehall music, one bassline at a time.