Songs and female names in contemporary Nigeria: a mother’s prayer or men’s muse?

Abstract

Songs featuring female names continue to shape identities and evoke emotional resonance among Nigerian listeners. Davido’s ‘Assurance’, dedicated to Chioma, sparked excitement amid rumours of infidelity, as its lyrics reassure commitment. Its groovy tempo, blending highlife and pop, captivates diverse audiences, with young women named Chioma envisioning it as a wedding anthem. Similarly, Flavour’s song ‘Chimamanda’ is the name, inspired by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Mothers embraced it for its meaning, symbolising prayers for a happy home and children’s success. Focusing on select songs across genres, I examine the role of female names in Nigerian music through two distinct lenses: for mothers and for men. I explore the cultural, emotional, and artistic significance of these names, analysing their influence on identity, relationships, and expressions of resistance, while also contributing to the dynamic landscape of Nigerian music. By highlighting the intersection of music and naming, I offer a new perspective on onomastics.