By Yes Nigerians love to be totally entertained but at the same time they also want their entertainers to be their own voice speaking out against certain ills in the society. To a large extent, some Nigerian acts have over the years released hit tracks that have not just been entertaining but pointers to the injustice done by those elected into political office.
Just like the legendary Afrobeat king, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, these popular new school musicians have been throwing jabs at the government to register their displeasure at the ill ways they govern the citizens thereby depriving them major amenities.
Below is an exclusive 10 hit singles that have shown the activist side of Nigerian musicians.
Eedris Abdulkareem: Eedris tops the list of new school Nigerian ‘artivists’ with his 2004 infectious hit single, ‘Jagajaga’
Timaya: Although he is now all about bums and bangs, Timaya initially came at us as the voice of the downtrodden in the Niger Delta with his debut single, ‘Dem Mama’
Femi Kuti: Born into the legendary Anikulapo clan, nothing less was expected of the acclaimed king of Afrobeat when he gave us the masses-loved number, ‘Dem Bobo’
Black Face ft Alabai: He might be criticizing his friends who are protesting now but BlackFace initially came at us as an activist from the ghetto. He dropped this solo debut over a decade ago to the admiration of well meaning Nigerians. It is titled ‘Hard Life’.
African China: One of the most controversial contemporary music acts of all time, African China was in the beginning a revolutionary act who sang to speak for his people. He did the same on this track titled ‘Mr President’.
Sound Sultan ft 2Face: When the hunter becomes the hunted, then there is trouble as told by the iconic Sound Sultan on this 2face assisted jam, ‘Bush Meat’.
2face: Not directly aimed at the government but the message is undeniably progressive. 2baba comes for the counterfeiters of drugs on this one he named ‘Man Unkind’
Blackface ft Mallam Spicey & Rock Steady: After leaving Plantashun Boiz, Blackface formed a new gang called the Tribunals and they spoke the peoples’ mind as they did on ‘E Dey Pain Me’
2Face: ‘E be like say’- “All they really want to do is to get in touch with big bucks” 2face raises the alarm against corrupt politicians on this number off his sophomore album, Grass to Grace.
9ice ft Asa: 9ice was superb, Asa was legendary and their combination was a dose of what an epic song should be made of. ‘Pete Pete’ speaks to the elected and the electorates and the need for change.
