ESTHETIQUE MUSICALE ET PLAIDOYER SOCIAL : LA CHANSON SOUBAALMARI COMME CRITIQUE DU MARIAGE PRECOCE AU NIGER

In Niger, early marriage remains a major social concern because of its consequences for girls education, health, and autonomy. In this context, the song Souba Almari by the YANA group provides a relevant medium for examining the role of musical creativity in denouncing harmful social practices. This article analyzes the ways in which the song transforms a social experience into a critical discourse capable of raising collective awareness. The study adopts a qualitative approach based on the sociology of culture, semiotics, and narratology. It examines the expressive techniques, narrative structure, and symbolic meanings that shape the songs message. The analysis highlights the importance of emotional expression in portraying the consequences of early marriage, as well as the role of tragic narrative in fostering a critical perspective on this practice. The symbols employed also help make the message accessible and reinforce its social significance. Thus, Souba Almari goes beyond musical entertainment to become a means of expression and awareness-raising. However, its influence on social representations also depends on the conditions of reception and the sociocultural contexts in which it is heard. This study therefore emphasizes the role of music in encouraging reflection and contributing to processes of social transformation.