Songs/Music with Nigerian Identity – Basic 4 Cultural & Creative Arts Lesson Note (Second Term)

What is Nigerian Identity Music?

These are songs that show who we are as Nigerians – our culture, languages, values, and traditions.

Types of Nigerian Identity Songs

1. National Songs

Songs about our country Nigeria

• Nigerian National Anthem: “Arise, O Compatriots”
• Nigerian National Pledge (sung version)
• Songs about Nigerian unity

2. Cultural Songs

Songs from different Nigerian tribes

• Yoruba songs: Use Yoruba language and talking drums
• Igbo songs: Use Igbo language and traditional instruments
• Hausa songs: Use Hausa language and local rhythms

3. Folk Songs

Traditional songs passed down from grandparents

• Work songs (farming, fishing)
• Children’s play songs
• Festival celebration songs

4. Religious Songs

Songs that praise God in Nigerian way

• Christian songs in local languages
• Islamic songs in local style
• Traditional worship songs

5. Modern Nigerian Songs

New songs that still show Nigerian culture

• Afrobeats music
• Highlife music
• Songs mixing English with local languages

What Makes Music “Nigerian”?

Language

• Uses Nigerian languages (Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa)
• Mixes English with local languages
• Traditional greetings and sayings

Instruments

• Talking drums, shekere, ogene
• Traditional flutes and bells
• Nigerian-style guitar playing

Themes

• Love for Nigeria
• Respect for elders
• Community unity
• Traditional values

EXERCISES

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

1. The Nigerian National Anthem is “Arise, O ________”
2. ________ songs use Yoruba language and talking drums
3. ________ songs are passed down from grandparents
4. Modern Nigerian music includes ________ and Highlife

Exercise 2: True or False

1. Nigerian identity songs only use English language ____
2. Folk songs are traditional songs from grandparents ____
3. Afrobeats is a type of modern Nigerian music ____
4. Nigerian songs never use traditional instruments ____

Exercise 3: Match the Song Type

Draw lines to connect:

• National songs → Songs from different tribes
• Cultural songs → “Arise, O Compatriots”
• Folk songs → Afrobeats and Highlife
• Modern songs → Traditional songs from grandparents

Exercise 4: Language Match

Write which Nigerian language group these belong to:

1. Uses talking drums: ________ songs
2. Uses traditional Igbo instruments: ________ songs
3. Uses local Hausa rhythms: ________ songs

Exercise 5: Choose the Right Answer

Circle what makes music “Nigerian”:

1. Language: Only English / Nigerian languages mixed with English
2. Instruments: Only foreign instruments / Traditional Nigerian instruments
3. Themes: Any topic / Nigerian culture and values

Exercise 6: Song Categories

Put these songs in the right group: Songs: National Anthem, Yoruba folk song, Afrobeats, Igbo worship song

• National: ____________
• Cultural: ____________
• Modern: ____________
• Religious: ____________