This article examines congregational music-making in Nigerian Pentecostalism, with a focus on the performance practices of congregational hymn singing within Pentecostal churches in Nigeria. It discusses the factors that account for the revival of congregational hymn singing and how they (re)present the ideas of continuities and transformations in Pentecostal liturgy, music and worship. Additionally, the paper examines the performance practices of congregational hymn singing in Pentecostal churches. The study relied on data gathered from interviews with musicians and observations of rehearsals and worship services of three mega Pentecostal churches in Nigeria. Drawing from ethnomusicological, musicological and historical analytical frameworks, the study demonstrates that corporate hymn performance is a complex space where tradition, change, and identity are created, sustained and negotiated amongPentecostal congregations. The various sections of this study contribute to the analysis of multiple layers of Pentecostal expressive cultures and their impact on Christian musical practices in contemporary Nigeria.
Toyin Samuel Ajose (Wed,) studied this question.