Mp3bullet.ng presents Nigerian Artists who constantly promote Activism through their Music.
Over the years, a number of Nigerian Artists have made it a point of duty to release protest songs as their way of engaging in Activism and advocating against the ills and wrongs in society.
Music is a potent weapon that has been employed frequently to create societal change. Although the majority of the songs in the Nigerian music industry are intended to entertain, there are some songs that call for societal reform and educate the general public.
Through their lyrics, these songs have evolved into a vehicle for criticizing the Nigerian government for its deeds and omissions and demanding responsibility and better leadership.
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We look at some of the Nigerian artists on this list that are vocal critics of the Nigerian government in their music:
Fela Kuti
Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, commonly known as Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, was a Nigerian musician who played many instruments, headed a band, was a composer, a political activist, and a Pan-Africanist.
He was recognized as a freedom fighter during his time, spending the majority of his musical career as an activist.
Fela Kuti began his political engagement in 1970, not only in Nigeria, but throughout Africa. This music superstar is most known as the son of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a well-known Nigerian activist.
With a number of albums including Zombie, Sorrow Tears, Blood, Demonstration of Craze, and many others, Fela Kuti, the father of Afrobeat, anchored his music in Nigeria’s political system.
During the latter part of his career, Fela declared his political ambition but later died of heart failure caused by AIDS in 1997.
Eedris Abdulkareem
Eedris Abdulkareem, a seasoned rapper from Nigeria, is without a doubt one of the country’s most outspoken critics.
Most of his songs are reflections of how the Nigerian people generally feel about the country’s current situation.
At the height of his popularity, Abdulkareem attracted Olusegun Obasanjo’s attention with the song “Nigeria jaga jaga,” which suggested that the nation was in chaos.
The title song of his third album, “Jaga Jaga,” which focused on corruption and misery in Nigeria, was prohibited from radio play by former President Obasanjo.
Years later, his songs continue to be popular, and the message in his lyrics has not changed. Going forward, his involvement in criticizing the lack of diligence of the Nigerian government has been consistent.
Sound Sultan
Olanrewaju Fasasi, also known as Sound Sultan, was well-known for being an activist and a legend in Nigeria in addition to being a musician.
Through his music, this celebrity has expressed a lot of care for Nigeria. In 2000, he released “Jagbajantis,” his debut single.
The song discussed how Nigerians make a lot of effort to leave the country in search of brighter pastures. Part of the lyrics read, “The answer you get na wetin dey make people dey Jah, commot for Naija… na wetin dey make people dey sleep for the embassy for visa… na wetin dey make people dey sell them property for a ticket.”
In 2012, the United Nations (UN) named him an Ambassador for Peace for his flawless lifestyle and career. Sound Sultan also received several awards, among which was the 2018 city people music special recognition. Unfortunately, the music icon passed away in August 2021.
Femi & Seun Kuti
The Kuti family has a history of campaigning for good government and fighting for change. The two musicians, who are the offspring and great-grandchildren of campaigners, have chosen to carry on their family’s tradition.
Both artists who were raised by their father, Fela Kuti, definitely learned a lot from him before he died.
Femi and Seun Kuti have continued their father’s musical legacy by educating the public and speaking out against Nigeria’s corrupt government. They have consistently shown their genuine concern for serious issues that arise in the nation through music.
Falz
Folarin Falana, also known as Falz, is an outspoken activist, rapper, actor, composer, and lawyer.
He is the son of Femi Falana, a well-known and esteemed lawyer and human rights advocate from Nigeria.
Falz has made the decision to utilize his music as a tool to expose corruption in the Nigerian government. The performer has put out a number of hits, some of which were collected in his album Moral Instructions.
With the primary goal of confronting society concerns like corruption, dishonest politicians, poor leadership, police brutality, prostitution, social inequality, and internet fraud, the album is renowned as a weapon for social action.
In 2018, his hit song “This Is Nigeria” highlighted the bitter truth of the unfavorable conditions Nigerians are subjected to by the Government.
Falz was one of the famous people that promoted the #EndSARS protest in October 2020.
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Burna Boy
Burna Boy, who first gained notoriety in the early 2010s, has never shied away from speaking out in support of African activism and against Nigeria’s corrupt leadership. Known specifically for having a charisma akin to “Fela,” speaking out against social vices, and poor leadership. You might even believe he is Fela in another body.
Even though he does not engage in any political action, the artist is well renowned for having a demeanour similar to Fela.
Burna Boy has released a number of songs to encourage Nigerians to speak up for their rights and to inform Nigeria’s corrupt leaders of how they have misled the nation. Another Story, Spiritual, and Collateral Damage, among many other songs, are a few.