Communication ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 7-13-2024

Abstract

In this dissertation, I examine culture and communication in transnational Nigeria, focusing on Nollywood and its industrial politics. Through a critical ethnographic examination of Nollywood’s reception among global and transnational audiences, I critique the evolving patterns of difference, power, and politics informing production, distribution, consumption, and performance/communication of otherness. With four composite dimensions of decoloniality: structural, epistemic, personal, and relational as theoretical foundation, I analyzed observations and interviews with 21 transnational Nigerians, online focus group discussions, user reviews, movies/series, and blogposts. I discuss the emergent themes of coloniality of space, mobility, and culture; re-making of racial otherness and hetero-patriarchy/normativity; cultural and transnational significance of Nollywood, and complexities of postcolonial experiences. I find that audiences often limit Nollywood to a monolithic cultural authenticity, often driven by nostalgia, which influences their perception of Nollywood. I offer theoretical insights for decolonial praxes in Nollywood, focusing on glocalization of culture, aesthetics, and postcolonial experiences.

Language

English

Keywords

Nollywood, post-/de-/coloniality, Blackness, globalization and culture, transnational communication, glocalization.

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Communication

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Department of Communication and Journalism

First Committee Member (Chair)

Dr. Shinsuke Eguchi

Second Committee Member

Dr. Ilia Rodriguez

Third Committee Member

Dr. Cleophas Muneri

Fourth Committee Member

Dr. Michael Lechuga

Fifth Committee Member

Dr. Chukwuka Onwumechili

Download

Share

COinS