AESTHETIC EXPRESSION AND THE QUESTION OF MULTICULTURALISM IN IKOLE-EKITI
Abstract
This research examines the intricate relationship between aesthetic expression and the question of multiculturalism in Ikole-Ekiti, Nigeria. Against the backdrop of increasing globalization and internal migration, the study explores how traditional Yoruba aesthetic values interact with diverse cultural influences to shape contemporary social identity. Drawing on theoretical frameworks from scholars such as Homi Bhabha, Kwame Appiah, and Richard Shusterman, the project analyzes various forms of aesthetic manifestation—including visual arts, festivals, fashion, and body adornment—as critical sites for negotiating cultural diversity. The findings suggest that aesthetic expression in Ikole-Ekiti functions as a powerful medium for cultural translation, facilitating a dialogue between indigenous heritage and multicultural realities. By investigating the tensions and syntheses between local traditions and external influences, this study argues that multiculturalism in Ikole-Ekiti is not merely a demographic fact but an aesthetic experience that redefines the boundaries of community and belonging. Consequently, the research contributes to the broader discourse on how aesthetic practices can foster social cohesion and identity formation in pluralistic African societies.
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