EXAMINING STYLISTIC RENDITION OF HYMNS IN PENTECOSTAL CHURCHES IN BENIN CITY
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Abstract
This study investigates the stylistic rendition of hymns in selected Pentecostal churches in Benin City, Nigeria.
While African Christian music has received considerable scholarly attention, limited studies have provided detailed stylistic and ethnographic analyses of hymn performance within Edo State’s unique socio-cultural context, as most focus on broader or Yorùbá settings. This research fills that gap by examining how hymns are musically, linguistically, and theologically reconfigured across five major Pentecostal denominations in Benin City. Adopting a qualitative research design, the study integrates stylistic analysis covering phonology, lexis, syntax, and semantics—with ethnographic methods. Data were obtained through non-participant observation, audio recordings, and semi-structured interviews with pastors, music leaders, and congregants. Findings are expected to reveal that hymn renditions in these churches feature increased tempo and rhythmic intensity, code-switching into Nigerian Pidgin and Edo languages, and semantic expansion through new themes emphasizing prosperity, healing, and spiritual
warfare. These stylistic adaptations reflect intentional strategies by church leaders to foster cultural relevance, encourage congregational engagement, and root theological messages in the local lived realities of worshippers. Ultimately, the study contributes to African religious and music scholarship by offering a contextualized framework for understanding the dynamic interplay between musical performance, linguistic adaptation, and theological interpretation in Pentecostal worship in Benin City
While African Christian music has received considerable scholarly attention, limited studies have provided detailed stylistic and ethnographic analyses of hymn performance within Edo State’s unique socio-cultural context, as most focus on broader or Yorùbá settings. This research fills that gap by examining how hymns are musically, linguistically, and theologically reconfigured across five major Pentecostal denominations in Benin City. Adopting a qualitative research design, the study integrates stylistic analysis covering phonology, lexis, syntax, and semantics—with ethnographic methods. Data were obtained through non-participant observation, audio recordings, and semi-structured interviews with pastors, music leaders, and congregants. Findings are expected to reveal that hymn renditions in these churches feature increased tempo and rhythmic intensity, code-switching into Nigerian Pidgin and Edo languages, and semantic expansion through new themes emphasizing prosperity, healing, and spiritual
warfare. These stylistic adaptations reflect intentional strategies by church leaders to foster cultural relevance, encourage congregational engagement, and root theological messages in the local lived realities of worshippers. Ultimately, the study contributes to African religious and music scholarship by offering a contextualized framework for understanding the dynamic interplay between musical performance, linguistic adaptation, and theological interpretation in Pentecostal worship in Benin City
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