 in Katsina State is set to host an international conference honoring the artistic contributions of President Tinubu’s most vocal){kind=link}
In an unprecedented fusion of academia and pop culture, the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) in Katsina State is set to host an international conference honoring the artistic contributions of President Tinubu’s most vocal musical supporter – the famed All Progressives Congress (APC) praise singer, Dauda Kahutu Rarara.
Themed “Political Music, Propaganda, and Power: The Rarara Phenomenon in Contemporary Nigerian Politics,” the conference aims to explore the role of music in shaping public opinion, political branding, and voter mobilization across Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
A statement released by the university’s Department of Political Science and Mass Communication called for scholarly papers from researchers, analysts, and cultural historians to critically examine Rarara’s lyrical influence – particularly his songs glorifying President Tinubu and the APC.
“This is more than entertainment,” said Dr. Kabiru Lawal, Chair of the Conference Committee. “Rarara’s music has become a powerful political tool. We believe this is the right time for academia to dissect its impact on governance, perception management, and national identity.”
Rarara, who rose to fame with catchy Hausa-language anthems supporting top politicians, including former Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and now President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has amassed millions of views and a cult-like following across northern Nigeria. His songs have been used during campaign rallies, crisis management moments, and party solidarity events.
The conference, scheduled for later this year, will feature keynote speakers from international universities, panel sessions on music and political psychology, and performances showcasing political praise music traditions from around Africa.
Submissions for paper abstracts are open until August 15, 2025.
Analysts are already calling the event a “first-of-its-kind academic endorsement of Nigerian political pop culture,” and insiders suggest Rarara himself may make a live appearance.
As the country debates the boundaries between art, influence, and propaganda, FUDMA’s initiative could mark a new chapter in how political performance is studied in Africa’s largest democracy.
Source :@saharareporters
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