More and more, critical scholars are turning to the lyrics of socially conscious songs to rethink the traditionally Eurocentric roots of international law. Nigeria’s Afrobeat(s) movement — from its legendary pioneers to today's global stars — plays a leading role in this effort. The lyrics offer powerful and relatable ways to highlight the problems of international law.

Professor Fagbayibo also shows why we need to broaden our idea of where international law draws its meaning from, suggesting that materials beyond official legal texts — like music — should be part of how we teach and learn about it.  This approach encourages us to embrace ‘conviviality’, a way of thinking that values the incomplete and evolving nature of knowledge. In this talk, he will show how socially conscious songs capture the heart of conviviality, especially by promoting agency, critical thinking, and meaningful solidarity.

Professor Fagbayibo will also include a listening session of selected tracks, ranging from original Afrobeat to contemporary artists. Snacks and drinks will be provided.

Babatunde Fagbayibo is a Professor of International Law at the University of Pretoria. His research focuses primarily on the institutional development of the African Union (AU), in particular the process of empowering AU institutions with supranational powers. Other research interests include African politics, transnational policy analysis, critical approaches to international law, and governance and democratisation in Africa. He has written extensively on these topics. He is the author of the book Transcending Member States: Political and Legal Dynamics of Building Continental Supranationalism in Africa (Springer, 2022). He has advised the African Union on issues of democratic governance and constitutionalism.