INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Culture and politics have gained renewed scholarly attention, especially within the context of non-traditional diplomacy and soft power. Soft power is the ability of a country to attract and co-opt rather than coerce and often finds its strongest expression in culture, values, and institutions. In the case of Nigeria, one of the most potent cultural exports in recent decades has been its music industry. This industry, once rooted in traditional folk sounds and later politicized by artists like Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has evolved into a global force of influence through genres like Afrobeat, Afropop, and Afrofusion. Historically, Nigerian musicians have not only entertained but also challenged state authority, interrogated societal injustices, and shaped public opinion. Artists such as Fela, Eedris Abdulkareem, and more recently, Falz and Burna Boy, have transformed their musical platforms into vehicles of resistance and civic engagement. Music has become a channel through which disillusionment, national trauma, and the desire for reform are expressed particularly among Nigeria’s politically conscious youth population. This was most visible during the #EndSARS protests, where music provided both a soundtrack and a unifying call for justice.

Beyond beautiful fabrics, the Nigerian fashion transcends more than just aesthetics. The story of Nigerian Fashion does not begin on modern runway. Its roots go deep into the history of powerful Kingdoms. From the intricately woven clothes of ancient empires to the contemporary designs, Nigerian Fashion has served as a powerful tool for shaping global perceptions of the nation. Taking a look at the vibrant colour characterising the Benin people's outfits, the fine velvet textiles adorning the people, intricate coral beadwork, and luxurious woven cloth, all these was unlike anything the Portuguese had ever seen upon firstcontact in the 15th century