Collaborative Music-Making and Social Inclusion: Evidence from Community Choirs in Akwa Ibom State

This study investigates the role of collaborative music-making in community choirs as a mechanism for promoting social inclusion among marginalised groups in Akwa Ibom State, South South Nigeria. Community choirs in Akwa Ibom operate across church, secular, and cultural contexts, bringing together individuals across age, socioeconomic, disability, and ethnic lines. This research examines whether and how participation in community choir activities produces social inclusion outcomes including reduced social isolation, increased civic participation, cross-group relationship formation, and enhanced sense of belonging. A mixed-methods design is employed, combining a validated Social Inclusion Index administered to 80 choir members and 40 non-choir community members as a comparison group, with qualitative interviews and focus group discussions exploring participants' experiences of inclusion and community through choir membership. Five community choirs across Uyo, Eket, and Oron local government areas form the study sites. The study draws on community music theory, social capital research, and disability-inclusive arts literature relevant to African community contexts. Longitudinal data points at baseline and six months enable assessment of change over time. Findings will provide evidence for the social inclusion benefits of choir participation and recommend policy support for community music programmes as tools of social cohesion. Keywords: Community choir, social inclusion, collaborative music, Akwa Ibom State, community music.