Music Artistes and their Contribution to the Idea of Development in Africa, 1974-1987

This paper is a historical analysis of the contributions of music artistes to the idea of development in Africa in the period between 1974 and 1987. It seeks to show that concern for the development of the continent was not confined to the intellectual community. Music artistes were not merely interested in entertainment; they also paid attention to the real problems that confronted the society of their time, thereby sharing in the concern of political thinkers of all ages. The works of three artistes - Sonny Okosun, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and Bob Marley - are selected for detailed examination, although references are made to other artistes. The study depended on primary and secondary source material. The paper is a contribution to knowledge in the field of African Political Thought.