In recent interviews conducted by Larry Madowo on CNN, members of the Nigerian community expressed their concerns with a recurring sentiment: the fear of Nigeria’s challenges affecting others. As I watched these interviews, a profound sense of trepidation and sadness enveloped me. The repeated cautionary statement, ‘Nigeria happened to you… I hope Nigeria doesn’t happen to you,’ struck a chord and highlighted the pressing issues faced by the country.
It is essential to acknowledge that challenges exist in many nations, including Kenya. For instance, recent reports of misappropriation of funds, such as the alleged mismanagement of 6 billion Kenyan shillings intended for essential commodities like cooking oil, have raised concerns. Additionally, there have been concerns about the functionality of the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) and salary increments for members of the political class, while many of us can barely put a meal on the table.
If you are a fan of African Art and Music… you cannot fail to list at least 5 Nigerian artists as part of your Top 10 hit list for the month…
The structure of music- just like Fela Kuti…Burna Boy hits the cords of the deepest African rainforest in the Congo….speaking of who we are as Africans… the music of his song ‘A common person’ speaks to our African culture, the unmistakable guitar and percussion and set of the culture of helping and being part of a community is something that epitomizes the core of our lives as creatures of the African continents.
The unmistakable sounds and audio of John Drille featuring Don Jazzy’s – how are you my Friend… speaks to our unmistakable sense of community … padi mi good… not sure what it means but somehow drives our values community. Libiancas – People has a total of 123million and counting in 4 months ( as per the time of writing the article) speaks to a global mental health issue of loneliness and alcohol… the stadiums the artists are filling all over the world is a piece that many have realized is quite a feat .. Tiwa the mighty queen of African music performed at the inauguration of King Charles and was even better than Katy Perry… (seriously she hit it completely) The list of endless, hit makers all over the world are Nigerians. Chike, Simi. Omar lay, Arya Starr, P2, and the one who made a cough song to sing along…..Kizz Daniel Featuring Empire…
The gospel music industry is way bigger with Top artists hitting billions in views, hopefully, the same reflects in their pockets.
The list is endless, great pieces of Music… yet, our Nigerian brothers are struggling to leave their country in droves… or praying Nigeria doesn’t happen to them…what a sad state of affairs, a paradox of how success in one industry may not speak to the real issues that are facing a people in a specific time and place.
What has the great music industry influenced in Nigeria? What are the potential spaces that the music can speak to? Behavior change starts from communicating and speaking to the particular issue at hand, the need to have Africa speak to the issues bedelving us, is of key importance. We cannot all run away from our motherland. Most of us, yearn for change but in a way, we are held back by our own beliefs that are incongruent with the reality of our nations.
Nigeria is now at the Top of the world in terms of music, the world cannot seem to have enough of what is coming out of Nigeria, yet we have a country that is on its deathbed, with many seeking to leave
Is there something that one can do to change the thinking and life of many on the African continent?
Can our music speak to cultural and behavioral change?
Can the music speak to the potential growth of our continent to a trailblazer in all other industries?
Bob Marley sang about freedom of the mind, Get up, Standup, stand up for your rights…. don’t give up the fight…..
Lyrics
Get up, stand up. Stand up for your rights
Get up, stand up. Don’t give up the fight
Get up, stand up. Stand up for your rights
Get up, stand up. Don’t give up the fight
Preacher, man don’t tell me
Heaven is under the Earth
I know you don’t know
What life is really worth
It’s not all that glitters is gold
‘Alf the story has never been told
And now you see the light
Stand up for your rights
Get up, stand up. Stand up for your rights (Get up, stand up. Stand up for your rights)
Get up, stand up. Don’t give up the fight (Get up, stand up. Don’t give up the fight)
Get up, stand up. Stand up for your rights (Get up, stand up. Stand up for your rights)
Get up, stand up. Don’t give up the fight (Get up, stand up. Don’t give up the fight)
You see, most people think
Great God will come from the skies
Take away everything
And make everybody feel high
But if you know what life is worth
You will look for yours on Earth
And now you see the light
You stand up for your rights
Through music, the impact of Bob Marley’s message resonated with the World about people, fighting for our rights, yet the structure of the music moved nations and the world in general.
Can Nigerian Music do something for the sorry state of affairs, absolutely, with communities seeking a change first changing the minds of the people, dealing with misinformation and innuendos in people’s minds.
Through the music about Zimbabwe, Bob Marley allowed people to move over from one set of thinking to another.
As we reflect on these circumstances, it is crucial to approach the topic with professionalism and a commitment to constructive dialogue. By doing so, we can encourage meaningful discussions about the socio-economic and political challenges faced not only by Nigeria but also by other countries. Together, we can strive for better governance, transparency, and accountability to ensure a brighter future for all.
We stand for Communication for Change. We sing along for our brother and sisters to understand the value of change.
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