Healing Harmonies: Grassroots Music as a Tool for Peace Education and Reconciliation in Nigeria

Abstract

This article investigates the role of music in fostering peace education and reconciliation in conflict-affected communities in Nigeria. Concentrating on grassroots musical practices in regions impacted by ethno-religious violence, it explores how traditional and contemporary forms of music function as mediums for collective healing, dialogue, and the reconstruction of social relations. Drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives from peace studies and ethnomusicology, the analysis foregrounds music’s affective and communicative capacities to transcend linguistic and cultural barriers, enabling inclusive participation in peace processes. Case examples from community music initiatives illustrate how localized musical expressions contribute to building resilience, fostering empathy, and sustaining nonviolent coexistence. The article argues for the strategic integration of music into peace education frameworks in Nigeria, emphasizing its potential to engage learners not only cognitively but also emotionally and socially. This article situates music as a culturally embedded resource for nurturing sustainable peace within Nigeria’s diverse and often divided society.