Music, Melody, Rhythm and Ideology in Teniola Apata’s Song, Case

Abstract

Abstract

This study examined how melody, rhythm and phonological patterns construct ideological meaning in Teniola Apata's 2018 hit song "Case." Employing Discourse Phonology (Brazil, 1997) and Van Dijk's Ideological Square (1998, 2006), the analysis reveals that the recurrent /eɪ/ diphthong functions as a sonic anchor, forging acoustic equivalence between disparate domains of romantic devotion, extraordinary wealth ("Dangote," "Adeleke") and ordinary contentment ("okay"). The descending melodic contour accompanying the refrain enacts resolution paralleling lyrical assertions of sufficiency, while rhythmic placement within the Afrobeat groove situates ideological claims within culturally authentic idioms. Findings demonstrate that musical form encodes ideological meaning, challenging neoliberal accumulation logic while affirming the dignity and worth of ordinary Nigerians.

Keywords: Melody, rhythm, ideology, Teniola Apata, discourse phonology