For as long as this writer has been on earth, the issue of bad governance in Nigeria has remained a prevailing phenomenon and music has been one of the easiest forms of protest against the embarassing phenomenon.
In the past, several Nigerian musicians have employed their art as a conduit of emphatic expressions towards the course of the ‘Common man’. A course that is upheld by the need for a reliable and accountable government. The end goal, usually, is to strike a bargain for common ground between the government and its citizens, where the need for daily survival becomes edged by the desire to thrive as a country.
More often than not, the music from these artists ends up enjoying public acceptance, and by ripple effect, commercial success. However, the focal message portrayed by the singer, rapper, or music artist is usually lost on its intended audience. The music, which is in itself a softcore protest, sadly becomes watered down to oversung anthems… but that is a tale for another.
In this article, this writer highlights eight singers who have lent their voices to the struggle of the everyday, average Nigerian citizen.
Beautiful Nubia:
The folk artist, Beautiful Nubia, in his 2002 song, ‘The Small People’s Anthem’, narrated the harsh dynamics of living in a country like Nigeria. ‘Few people take all the wealth, small people look to the skies, when will it be our turn?”, were his apt lyrics. The melodious groove of the song almost makes it easy to lose sight of Nubia’s lamentations, of which many still ring true today.
Nneka
Soulful Nigerian singer, Nneka, is an indie singer who has spent a lifetime using her songs as a form of protest against the brutalities of the government. In her early 2000 reggae song, ‘Africans’, she talks about the stagnant conditions of Nigerians, and Africans at large. She urges all to refrain from alluding blame to colonial leaders alone, encouraging a sense of general accountability.
Eedris Abdulkareem
The controversial Eedris Abdulkareem needs no introduction. This is a man whose stance against the government through his colossal hit ‘Jaga Jaga’ led him on an indefinite exile from the country at a time. Eedris, in his 2004 lyrical firing squad spared no one. ‘We dey grow, we dey grow, and still backward’, was his satirical sonic hook.
Sound Sultan
The late but iconic Sound Sultan will always be remembered for his nostalgic works, one of which is his parodic earworm, ‘Mathematics’. Sultan wore the regalia of a prophet ( figuratively) in the beautiful song as he explained through Mnemonic aids some of the societal, and governmental issues in Nigeria. Rest on legend.
Ras Kimono
Another late icon, Ras Kimono gave a memorable performance in his reggae-tinged single, ‘Under Pressure’. Kimono, through his native language, patois, and English touched on the heinous realities of Nigerians and Africans at large. “Under pressure, Nigerians we under pressure, no food in we bellies, no money inna we pockets, no bed inna we head, the people Demma suffer inna ghetto, inna city, everywhere dat me go, me see dem, Demma suffer”
Fela
Fela is probably the King of sonic activists in Nigeria and Africa at large. Fela’s discography is grounded in activism and protests. The iconic Father of Afrobeat was famed for never mincing words with politicians. The man needs no lengthy essay, his work speaks for him.
Asa
Contemporary folk singer, Asa, in her beautiful, award-winning song, ‘ Fire on the Mountain stapled her way into the hearts of Nigerians. The song, off her debut Asa ( Asha) album, gave her a serene narrative into the not-so-serene aftermath of war, corruption, and ultimately, bad governance.
African China
African China, during his active music days, sang popular anti-bad governance anthems such as ‘Government Bad’ and ‘Mr. President’. African China gained fame by highlighting how the government failed to provide basic amenities such as Jobs, Water, and Good Roads. His cries are sadly still relevant to this day.
