Papers by Bassey E Bassey
Nature Narratives: Environmental and Contemporary Discourse in Literature, 2025
History, arguably, presents literature as a convergence of physical and human environmental inter... more History, arguably, presents literature as a convergence of physical and human environmental interactions. Our line of thought suggests that writers are instinctively engaged with appreciating the environment. This notion is extended to enunciate the vibrancy of how such exchanges sometimes consider the ecology in a reasonably indirect manner. Overtime, the growing concern for a sustainable environment has given rise to a rich corpus of fictional and non-fictional writings about humans' relationship with the natural world. Literature that focuses on the Niger Delta has continuously depicted the dynamics of the people's fight and greatly enlivened their predicament as they deal with the numerous ecological issues in their immediate surroundings. These challenges reflect a variety of uncertainties and ironies so that writers like Tess Onwueme, Ahmed Yerima, J.P. Clark, Chris Nwamuo, Femi Osofisan and Tanure Ojaide have from numerous prisms subtly articulated the environmental hazards in this area. In some cases, these writers have provided alternative narratives of how these challenges can be better understood or represented. Some writers have aligned with traditional approaches and reconciled oral narratives within their works to basically resonate these challenges while others have provided more radical alternatives to these challenges. It is our contention to critically analyse a number of writers and their writings and
Creative Saplings, 2025
Popular culture is ever evolving; it creates eddies and currents and is a complex of interdepende... more Popular culture is ever evolving; it creates eddies and currents and is a complex of interdependent viewpoints with effects on society. In the Nigerian context, popular culture has developed into a powerful cultural force that shapes values and social standards in the filmic space, while also entertaining. This study interrogates how Nigerian popular culture influence the narratives and themes of Nollywood films. It explores how filmmakers incorporate trending cultural elements to enhance audience engagement and the reciprocal relationship between Nigerian films and societal values. It goes further to examine how social media amplify the role of popular culture in Nollywood. Arguing from a popular culture theoretical perspective, this study adopts ethnography to map the influence that popular culture has gained. It argues that popular culture has become essential in today's globalized society due to its constant rise which could also be attributed to the rise of new technologies. The study asserts that Nigerian films are a product of their culture and, as such, represent the beliefs, attitudes and concerns that are prevalent in the society, even though they also shape the popular culture of their audience.
Indigenous Knowledge, Decolonial Turn & Social Development in the Global South, 2025
Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) are centred on traditional beliefs and practices which are con... more Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) are centred on traditional beliefs and practices which are considered unique to specific cultural spaces. It could be argued that film, as a cultural product shares a symbolic relationship with indigenous knowledge systems. Incorporating IKS in films could support the promotion of cultural diversity, enrich storytelling as well as offer alternative perspectives. Adopting Tosin Igho's Suspicion (2024) as a case study, this paper interrogates the unique blend of contemporary filmmaking and indigenous knowledge systems. It explores how Suspicion questions contending Nollywood stereotypes through themes of morality, power and vengeance. The paper submits that, through a nuanced portrayal of indigenous knowledge systems and its implications, the film Suspicion sets the stage for captivating narratives which provides for thoughtful engagements with the notions of IKS and filmic representation.
Theorising the Nigerian Stage, 2025
The value orientations of individualism and collectivism are poles apart. Individualism focuses o... more The value orientations of individualism and collectivism are poles apart. Individualism focuses on self-distinctiveness, while collectivism focuses on interpersonal relationships. People’s participation in group engagement shapes their psyches, which in turn creates their cultural environment. In this sense, culture and mind are mutually reinforcing. This study interrogates the interplay of individualism and collectivism in Stephen Inegbe’s Things Men Do. Leaning on the contextual relationship that links individualism/collectivism with cultural psychology, this study adopts the qualitative analytical approach to provide insights about individualism and collectivism in the play text. It presents that individualism and collectivism have profound roots that influence various behavioural patterns. These include disparities in self-perception, variations in cognitive behaviour, variations in motivation and behaviour, and variations in interpersonal relationships. It further submits that the interplay of individualism and collectivism in a given community can create a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere and when people collaborate to achieve shared objectives, they each feel empowered as distinct individuals.
Integral Research, 2025
The use of language to create outlets for activities, relationships and the general thought proce... more The use of language to create outlets for activities, relationships and the general thought process within which morality is exacted in Ibibio has made the reassessment of language usage in creative arts represented in symbols, gestures and verbal interplays quite significant. As a trending art form synergizing the sociological, physiological and the psychological reality of the human nature, Ibibio films’ calls for an in-depth interrogation. Drawing from Orality as a qualitative research approach, this paper seeks to critically analyze the metaphoric representations of Ibibio episteme in Ekaette Brian’s Affimma with a focus on identifying the levels of metaphor deployed to orchestrate the pictorial elements of the film. Findings of the study reveal metaphorical representations in verbal and concrete forms in Affimma. The Verbal metaphors are identifiable through indigenous media such as proverbs, idioms, adages and riddles; avenues through which the indigenous language is configured and intents configured. Additionally, concrete metaphors are represented through living and non-living things, presenting a coding structure with deep cultural undertones that require in-depth knowledge of Ibibio signs system to unravel. The study concludes that creativity laced with morality can transcend space, culture and time and a culture projected in oral and concrete forms can easily transit as a code for cultural etiquette for social reorientation.
QTanalytics® India, 2025
Humans are programmed to use stories to make sense of their lives and the world around them, whic... more Humans are programmed to use stories to make sense of their lives and the world around them, which makes storytelling an effective communication frame. A digital story is a media artifact that offers a narrative by fusing still images and narrated audio-text. This study explores the relationship between classic literature and contemporary cultural landscapes. It interrogates how reframing classics as digital stories strikes a balance between staying true to the original text and reinterpreting it for digital audiences, highlighting the conflict between maintaining the core of the original work and modifying it for different cultural contexts. Through an analysis of Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart both as a literary text and digital story, this study assesses how these reimagining, balances fidelity to the original text while representing contemporary cultural norms, values, and technical developments. In evaluating the narrative, thematic, and stylistic changes that resonates with diverse audience, this study adopts cultural and intertextual frameworks to examine the chosen classic, demonstrating the dynamic ways in which literary adaptations function as cultural artifacts that connect historical literature with current discourse. This allows the works to be reshaped to suit the social, cultural, and technological contexts of their respective eras while also reaching new audiences.
Planeyo Journal of Arts and Humanities (PLANJAH), 2025
Notably, Nigerian theatre extends beyond its physical location to the virtual space, emerging as ... more Notably, Nigerian theatre extends beyond its physical location to the virtual space, emerging as digital performances. A layer of mediated performances overlays this virtual environment and is reinforced in many ways. It is interesting to note that within these mediated performances, there are references to women which could be interpreted as misconceptions about perceived bias and prejudices against women. Leaning on this notion, this study seeks to explore the prevailing themes in Nigerian Digital performances and interrogate the extent of objectification and patriarchal bias that exist within the performances. Through the lenses of feminist criticism, cultural ideologies and theories of digital media, this paper critically examines some of these digital performances with regards to their portrayal of women and goes on to discuss contending realities that have shaped this portrayal. Findings of this study reveal that Mark Angel presents a form of objectification that posits that women are bound to internalise the society's perspective as a view of what their bodies should be, while Battabox objectifies the woman sexually and defines her as a commodity with a price tag; a description that aligns it with sexual objectification. It advocates that, in order to overcome the miscommunication regarding women, a more profound and radical 'spin' is needed, as women's competing desires and realities are contained within these created terrains. Additionally, the paper presents pragmatic alternatives for the biased digital signals that are portrayed in the virtual space.
Integral Research, 2025
Literary writing and revolution are closely related, and this relationship is crucial. Writers ar... more Literary writing and revolution are closely related, and this relationship is crucial. Writers are necessary for revolutions, as are ideas. Revolutions are social struggles which result in the transformation or reconstitution of society. Implicitly, human progress is produced historically by economic, social, political, and intellectual struggles which could be considered the locomotives of human history – propelling humanity forward. Leaning on Marxist theory of revolution, this study examines the treatment of revolutionary themes in select plays of Femi Osofisan and Esiaba Irobi. Adopting a critical content analysis approach, the study reveals a common theme of the Marxist Revolutionary Romanticism which is characterized by revolution as opposed to resignation to fate; the collective energy of the people that is vigorously employed in praxis is not based on metaphysicalilty but on social awareness and articulated struggle. Specifically, Osofisan handles revolutionary subjects such as compelling stories about peasant uprising and the metamorphosis of the wealthy class who join the struggle, the difficulties of revolution and the costs associated with it as well as class conflict and the struggle against subjugation. Irobi, on the other hand addresses concerns on the aggressive features of revolution and the pursuit of social and political transformation on personal initiatives leading to revolutionary transformation as well as support of a terror-filled environment to oppose political oppression. It could then be submitted that the plays studied lean on the Marxist worldview centred on the conflict between the exploiter and the oppressed, which ultimately determines whether society will advance or not.
Advanced Journal of Theatre and Film Studies (AJTFS), 2024
Digital performances have been remarkably influenced by the convergence of arts and technology wh... more Digital performances have been remarkably influenced by the convergence of arts and technology which has recorded very significant breakthrough in the world of entertainment. Performances have grown beyond traditional spaces on account of the instrumentality of the electronic and interactive nature of social media, curtsey of the ever improving and innovating wonders of the electronic and digital revolution. The emerging concern of this study revolves around the degree of sexual objectification in Nigerian digital performances; interrogating how digital performances reference women within set roles, objectify them and offer objectified generalised opinions. This study leans on feminists' criticism and digital media theories to present a nuanced study of selected Mr. Macaroni's performances. The study adopts qualitative content analysis to examine the selected performances. The findings of this study reveal that digital performances employ humour as a platform for conveying objectification. Interlaced beneath the entertaining frontals of these humour filled performances are deep rooted objectifying statements. A thorough analysis of these productions resolve that each fit very snugly into the Marxist approach to capitalism which is seen as a system of dominance and oppression and in this case, focused on women. The performances could be described as digitally infused capsules of objectifying aesthetics, with turgid reflexivity and selfish deconstructionist panorama.
Interactive film and media journal, Jun 6, 2023
Interactivity is a fundamental aspect of contemporary digital media and communication, playing a ... more Interactivity is a fundamental aspect of contemporary digital media and communication, playing a crucial role in the synergistic relationship between filmic representation and video games. This paper examines the interplay between Jeta Amata's eco-film Black November and the video game Niger Delta Commando, focusing on the narratives, themes, and imaginary worlds that define their relationship. In the context of Nigeria's Niger Delta challenges, these media forms provide alternative approaches for addressing environmental issues while maintaining relevance and competing for attention in the entertainment landscape.
Interactive Film and Media Journal, 2023
Interactivity is a fundamental aspect of
contemporary digital media and communication,
playing ... more Interactivity is a fundamental aspect of
contemporary digital media and communication,
playing a crucial role in the synergistic relationship
between filmic representation and video games.
This paper examines the interplay between Jeta
Amata's eco-film Black November and the video
game Niger Delta Commando, focusing on the
narratives, themes, and imaginary worlds that
define their relationship. In the context of
Nigeria's Niger Delta challenges, these media
forms provide alternative approaches for
addressing environmental issues while maintaining
relevance and competing for attention in the
entertainment landscape.
Arguably, film is the most magical form of storytelling. It is that genre that is most similar to... more Arguably, film is the most magical form of storytelling. It is that genre that is most similar to our dreams; a place where a lot of possibilities abound. In the case of Nigerian films, there is little or no holding back as creativity and imagination are often interlaced with biased and unbiased social constructs. This study considers ‘New Normal’ as the current thematic preoccupation of Nigerian films to trivialise women’s rights and promote abuses. This phenomenon is contextualised as intrusive narratives which are now present as a discomforting trope underscored by subtle and at times brash episodes in Nigerian films. Based on the theoretical framework of symbolic annihilation and objectification, salient mentions of existing (or comparative) thoughts on gender, violence and filmic presence are examined. These contentions are justified through content analysis with the adoption of coding schemes that frame the forms and results of violence in the films studied. It avers Nigerian ...
Tripodos, 2021
Arguably, film is the most magical form of storytelling. It is that genre that is most similar to... more Arguably, film is the most magical form of storytelling. It is that genre that is most similar to our dreams; a place where a lot of possibilities abound. In the case of Nigerian films, there is little or no holding back as creativity and imagination are often interlaced with biased and unbiased social constructs. This study considers ‘New Normal’ as the current thematic preoccupation of Nigerian films to trivialise women’s rights and promote abuses. This phenomenon is contextualised as intrusive narratives which are now present as a discomforting trope underscored by subtle and at times brash episodes in Nigerian films. Based on the theoretical framework of symbolic annihilation and objectification, salient mentions of existing (or comparative) thoughts on gender, violence and filmic presence are examined. These contentions are
justified through content analysis with the adoption of coding schemes that frame the forms and results of violence in the films studied. It avers Nigerian film space as a gendered platform that inspires flights of fancy, violence, sexual depravity and mental grossness through its treatment of violence related subjects. It concludes that Nigerian films promote an inconspicuous attitude where the interest of the man often defines the destiny and functionality of the woman.
Journal of the West African Association for Commonwealth Literature and Language Studies, 2020
The notion of the bond-servant, which is often construed as domestic slavery, existed in Old Cala... more The notion of the bond-servant, which is often construed as domestic slavery, existed in Old Calabar before the arrival of the European slave merchants. Old Calabar was a prominent sea port city on the Atlantic coast during the slave trade period. With its rich hinterland, a virile population and good anchorage, it offered many attractions to traders of various ethnic-nationalities; one of which was the bond-servant. This situation allowed that a person becomes a servant and get bond to a master; it might be likened to the indentured servants in African-American history. It is the contention of this paper that this social phenomenon provided a smooth surface for slavery to thrive in this Atlantic coastal town. The essay is substantiated by the analysis of two historical films that tell the story of bondservant and slavery in Old Calabar; supported also by personal conversations with some bloodlines of bond-servants. The paper submits that the practice of bondservant which thrived in Old Calabar took a different hue from the form of Atlantic slave trade thus contradicting the articulation of the "reservoir theory".
INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF HUMANITIES AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH, 2020
The crises facing the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria have been represented by Nigerian dramatist i... more The crises facing the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria have been represented by Nigerian dramatist in various works. Educing from the focus of Ahmed Yerima in Little Drops, this paper conceptualises the tragedy faced mostly by women of the Niger Delta region due to objectification, gender socialization and societal inequality. The play reechoes the pains of neglect, underdevelopment and the painful results of agitation; highlighting also the pains of displacement, involuntary disappearance, family separation and disintegration, victimization, sexual slavery and rape. Based on a qualitative method of analysis, the work reveals the anguish, travails and trauma faced by women of the region. It emphasises the need for collaboration, understanding and support as a measure for peaceful resolution and promotion of human consciousness. It is the argument of this paper that all actors involved in the course of peace and conflict prevention and resolution adopt a gender perspective that include the special needs of women during repatriation and resettlement, rehabilitation, reintegration and post-conflict reconstruction because women suffer disproportionately during crises where existing inequalities are magnified, social networks broken down, making them more vulnerable to violence and exploitation.
The Nigerian Journal of Communication (TNJC), 2019
Migration is one of the most challenging issues currently facing Nigeria. It refers to change of ... more Migration is one of the most challenging issues currently facing Nigeria. It refers to change of residence within or over national boundaries; it can be internal or international. However, the focus of this paper is on international migration with particular interest on the use of illegal routes. The media, in varied forms have represented the menace of illegal migration as a way to curb further growth and control existing processes. One of such measures is Superstory's Itohan, a television serial. An analysis of the serial reveals a narrative of subtle persuasion that highlights the risks of following irregular migration routes while also raising awareness about opportunities available to Nigerians. Itohan does not only deal with individual immigrant's narratives but delves into the rules responsible for their indignities. The contending forces of disconnect at the family level and societal expectation/pressure which forms the discourse of Itohan dictate that curbing migration should start at the family level. The paper submits that the coercion, intimidation and abuse often faced by victims of illegal migration has a way of ensuring the individual adapts to vices and adopt same as acceptable with the consequence of facing a battle for identity while living in self-denial.
Professor Bassey Andah Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 2018
The electronic, networked and interactive nature of social media has significant impact on resear... more The electronic, networked and interactive nature of social media has significant impact on research, opening up new possibilities for gathering and analysing data. This paper argues that the techniques by which users interact with data in social media, particularly categorisation and semantic tagging, can be applied to a broad range of humanities research methodologies using similar interfaces to those of social media platforms. This study combines a general review of possibilities generated by social media data and human subjects with an exploratory assessment of the feasibility of social media mechanisms. It uses both qualitative and quantitative techniques to generate, gather, analyse and interpret data from both social media and human subjects. Analysis of the data gathered shows a high record of research related activities online even as the human subjects attests to using social media for research. However, caution is needed in interpreting the results of social media data, or generalizing from these data to the public at large. This study recommends that all social media data be benchmarked against other data sources as most indicators developed through social media processes can be difficult to interpret in isolation.
AKSU Diakonia: Journal of Religion and Culture, 2018
Culture is a group worldview, the way of organizing the world that a particular society has creat... more Culture is a group worldview, the way of organizing the world that a particular society has created over time. This framework or web of meaning allows the members of that society to make sense of themselves, their world and their experiences in that world. It is this sharing of a common reality that gives people within a particular culture a common fund of knowledge. The Nkuho practice of the Efiks is deeply rooted in the people"s culture. It is an exercise that essentially represents an arena and fundamental resource for nurturing beauty and for preparing young women to face life as wives, mothers, workers and business owners. As an old rite-of-passage, Nkuho facilitates the passage from maidenhood to womanhood and wifehood, as well as help transmit the culture of the Efiks. All Cultures are inherently predisposed to change and, at the same time, to resist change, Nkuho is no exception to this phenomenon as we are in an accelerating culture change period all around the world regardless of whether we try to resist it or not. The Nkuho exercise as obtainable today, is carried out with a difference, some part of the practice have been dropped while others have undergone modification. This is partly because of change in needs, preferences and style of living. Though the level of participation has dropped the exercise is still in practice.
The Nigerian Journal of Communication (TNJC), 2018
The emergence of social media has led to the emergence of new generation of content creators and ... more The emergence of social media has led to the emergence of new generation of content creators and distributors. Some of these creators have also delved into the business of news production and distribution online. Online news reports come with a lot of imperfections because of the flexible or outright lack of professional gatekeeping. This has led to the emergence of fake news. Based on the Uses and Gratification theory, this study evaluates the accuracy of online news reports, audience reliability on online news platforms and their level of believability. To achieve the afore-mentioned, a pragmatic process of data mining, unobtrusive observation coupled with online and offline survey research methods were deployed. The study also identified and presented dataset of conflicting online news reports and the diverse reactions that follow them. Findings from the study support the need to defend the journalism profession by promoting truthfulness and professionalism in news reporting and dissemination. As a check on the rising profile of online news platforms or social media news, news consumers are advised to check the veracity of such news circulated online through other credible platforms before believing and even sharing them.
Critical Perspectives on Female Nigerian Writers, 2018
The paper analyses the portrayal of the female gender in Sofola's The Sweet Trap. Particular refe... more The paper analyses the portrayal of the female gender in Sofola's The Sweet Trap. Particular reference is made on women representation and objectification in the selected play. The overriding focal thrust of the play is the supremacy of tradition and the foregrounding of female agitation for a complementary relationship with their male counterparts. The play does little or nothing to break the patriarchal barrier imposed on the exercise of right by women even as Sofola weaves through the image of the female as probable reason for the destruction of another. Analysis of the play revealed that Sofola connects The Sweet Trap with the patriarchal nature of traditional societies, ignoring the wider vista of life that requires woman's quota in building a home. Thus portraying women as objects of abuse and docility and foreclosing their other capabilities, while also heightening the condemnation of women who stand up to male dominance. The methodology adopted is descriptive, dwelling on an analytical approach of female imaging in the play. This study suggests that there should be a fundamental change in gender relations so as to recognise the role of women as complementary partners in the process of development.
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Papers by Bassey E Bassey
contemporary digital media and communication,
playing a crucial role in the synergistic relationship
between filmic representation and video games.
This paper examines the interplay between Jeta
Amata's eco-film Black November and the video
game Niger Delta Commando, focusing on the
narratives, themes, and imaginary worlds that
define their relationship. In the context of
Nigeria's Niger Delta challenges, these media
forms provide alternative approaches for
addressing environmental issues while maintaining
relevance and competing for attention in the
entertainment landscape.
justified through content analysis with the adoption of coding schemes that frame the forms and results of violence in the films studied. It avers Nigerian film space as a gendered platform that inspires flights of fancy, violence, sexual depravity and mental grossness through its treatment of violence related subjects. It concludes that Nigerian films promote an inconspicuous attitude where the interest of the man often defines the destiny and functionality of the woman.