ACMJ Article

Abstract

This study examines the depiction of cybercrime in Nigerian hip-hop music and its effects on youth behaviour, guided by cultivation theory and employing a discursive method for analysis. The research analysed three purposively selected Nigerian hip-hop songs and found that their lyrics romanticise and glamorise cybercriminal activities. This portrayal contributes to the normalisation of cybercrime within popular culture, suggesting a troubling link between musical content and the acceptance of cybercrime as a desirable lifestyle. The findings highlight that these songs explicitly promote cybercriminal behaviour, posing significant challenges as they influence young Nigerians to perceive such activities as viable. The study emphasises the necessity for collaborative efforts among government agencies, regulatory bodies, and artists to mitigate these negative impacts. It is recommended that awareness among artists regarding their influence be enhanced and that regulatory measures be implemented to monitor and sanction content that promotes cybercrime.

NIGERIAN HIP-HOP SONGS AND THE GLORIFICATION OF CYBERCRIME, 2024, Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 87-94. PDF