Several talents have come and gone in the Nigerian music industry; while some have merely scratched the surface, others have established themselves as idols and head higher-ups of the entertainment industry.
However Afrobeats emerged from a smoldering heap of poverty, bad economic policies, and incompetent leadership in Nigeria. Today, 61 years after gaining her independence, we will take a look at artists who have spoken up on the political and social happenings in the country.
Fela Anikulapo Kuti
Fela Kuti is no visitor in this area of music. Born by Nigerian female activist, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Fela spent most of his music career as an activist himself, consistently criticizing the Nigerian government policies from the 70s – 80s.
He literally started a movement with the genesis of Afrobeats in Nigeria. Most of his songs were aimed at the political structure in Nigeria. After series of releases like; “Zombie, Sorrow Tears and Blood”, “Demonstration of Craze“, amongst others. He went ahead to declare his presidential ambitions in the latter years of his career.
Sound Sultan
In the early days of August 2021, Nigeria truly lost a gem and music icon in Sound Sultan. From the release of his first album in 2006, featuring songs like “Motherland“. The icon has consistently shown concern for the situation of the country when it mattered through his music.
Burna Boy
Grammy-award-winning Nigerian singer, Burna Boy who came to the limelight in the early 2010s has not failed to express his African activism and displeasure against bad governance in Nigeria. Categorically known for his “Fela-like” charisma, being outspoken against social vices, and bad leadership. You’d almost think he’s Fela’s reincarnate.
Burna Boy will certainly go down on record in Nigeria‘s history. He unarguably released the most relatable song of 2020, after he successfully provided detailed documentation of the sad events of 20th of October 2020 – during the #EndSars peaceful protest which later turned into a massacre.
Falz
Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, is the son of well-known Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist Femi Falana. Following in the steps of his father, Falz is also a lawyer, a human rights activist, and a brilliant musician who, like many others has chosen to use his musical talent to tackle irregularities in the government.
In 2018, his hit song “This Is Nigeria” highlighted the bitter truth of the unfavorable conditions Nigerians are subjected to by the Government.
Eedris Abdulkareem
Nigerian music veteran, Eedris Adulkareem, who started to near the peak of his career in 2004 after the release of “Jaga Jaga”, undisputedly the biggest song that season. “Jaja Jaga”, a Yoruba phrase that means “shambles”, was adopted by Eedris to describe the corruption and hardship in Nigeria at the time.
The iconic singer definitely discovered his direction going ahead to release his fourth album “Letter to Mr. President” addressing Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s criticism of his hit single “Jaga Jaga”. Going forward, his involvement in criticizing the lack of diligence of the Nigerian government has been consistent.
Femi & Seun Kuti
The saying “Like Father Like Son” may not be completely untrue as the inspiration behind the Kuti brothers, Femi & Seun Kuti, cannot be far-fetched. Born to Afrobeats legend Fela Kuti, both of them were literally breathing music from a very young age, with Femi having the opportunity of performing with his father, Fela, before his demise.
Undoubtedly, Femi and Seun have carried on their father’s legacy, enlightening citizens and speaking out against the Nigerian government. Although both of them may not be as intense as the legend Fela, they have persistently shown genuine concerns regarding matters arising in the country, expressing their displeasure through musical compositions.
Don Mappy
Rising Urban Life artist, Don Mappy never tends to take a break for too long without addressing the real-life crisis and the strife of Nigerians as they are stricken by the tolls of incompetent leadership in Nigeria. Shortly before the EndSars protest, he dropped a single “E Fit Be Me”, dedicated to a victim of police brutality, hereby standing out as one of the first voices against police brutality in the country – instigating the protest.
Consequently, he lent his voice once again on the hit single “Democrazy” released around the New Democracy Day in Nigeria, June 12. The songwriter expressed the unfortunate events that occurred in the June 12 1993 gubernatorial elections which were annulled by corrupt governance. Don Mappy has certified himself as one of the voices of a free world, using what he knows how to do best – his music.
Vector
Nigerian rapper, Vector, who has constantly expressed his discomfort on the quality of the Nigerian government policies, and the perspective of its citizens on social media platforms. He often doesn’t feel the need to stop there until a proper studio recording has been made. As far back as 2010, the talented lyricist released soulful music “I Luv Nigeria”, celebrating the nation’s beauty and pride.
African China
In a discussion of a “Better Nigeria” activism, yet another veteran singer, African China can not be left out. Famous for his hit single “Mr. President” which could have passed as the nation’s anthem in 2006.
Although he may not stand out as one of the most consistent voices lent to this cause, his song “Mr. President”, which highlighted the need for good leadership and decent governance, can not be erased from the memory of Nigerians.
Trishawnary
Although Trishawnary might be referred to as only a “newcomer” in the Nigerian music scene, the Port Harcourt based artist has always maintained creative prowess and hunger for a more conducive living environment for his fellow creatives and citizens of Nigeria at large.
Going beyond just music, Trisawnary readily speaks up against political injustice and police brutality. Like Burna Boy last year, he released a song encouraging a stop to police brutality labeled “EndSars”. Shortly after, on his “Angry Boy Tape” project, the song “Zero support” discussed the lack of support from the Nigerian system towards its citizens.