Social Consciousness and Political Advocacy in Nigeria: A Case Study of Onyeka Owenu's One Love.

Abstract:

Music has long served as a powerful medium for shaping public awareness and responding to social realities in Nigeria. Within this tradition, Onyeka Onwenu, an influential singer, journalist, and advocate known for her socially conscious artistry, emerges as a key voice in national conversations on unity and justice. This study examines how her song One Love communicates social consciousness and political advocacy within Nigeria’s socio‑political climate. Using a qualitative research design, the study undertakes a multi‑layered analysis combining semiotic examination of the song’s lyrics and music video with cultural interpretation of its public reception in media and scholarship. Semiotic analysis is used to identify the musical, visual, and textual signs through which meaning is encoded, while cultural interpretation situates these signs within Nigeria’s historical and political context. The study also draws on secondary materials to deepen contextual understanding and triangulate interpretations. The analysis is guided by Cultural Studies Theory, which explains how the song reflects and challenges dominant social narratives; Semiotic Musicology Theory, which interprets the symbolic and expressive codes embedded in the music; and Social Movement Theory, which situates One Love within broader traditions of musical activism and collective mobilisation. Findings show that One Love functions as a cultural text that critiques social division, promotes unity, and encourages civic responsibility. The study also highlights Onwenu’s role as a pioneering female artist whose work challenges patriarchal and political boundaries. Overall, the research demonstrates the enduring power of music to shape social consciousness and inspire collective action in contemporary Nigeria.