We have a society that is more mistrusting of their government than ever before, so here’s why musicians should make political music.
We can’t escape politics. As long as you exist on earth., are human, and belong to a sovereign country, chances are that you are guided by laws and borders determined by an economic system. And no matter how much you try to avoid it, politics just shows up and affects the way you live, either negatively or positively.
One country that has been affected negatively by governance and politics is Nigeria. We all know the problems; corruption that has eaten into the society, leading to a struggling society.
In October 2017, Nigerians applauded veteran US rapper, Eminem who called Donald Trump out in a new video. In what is perhaps the fiercest and the most exhaustive attack against Donald Trump in Hip-hop. Eminem, on Tuesday night, called the President everything from “Donald the b—-” to a “racist grandpa” in an explosive 4.5-minute freestyle rap.
Today’s Nigerian situation realistically calls for more than Eminem. The country is heated in all regions, with the leadership of the current government questioned at every turn by citizens. But this isn’t reflected in the music created by the leading voices of our music. Our artists for the most part act and live their lives as being impervious to the struggles of the people. It feels like they aren’t a part of the country, or are insensitive to the society in which they profit from with their art.
We have a society that is more mistrusting of their government than ever before, so here’s why musicians should make political music.
Influence
Nigerian musicians have influence. They have the type of influence that most of these politicians hope and pray for. If Wizkid, with his fanbase numbering millions of followers, should take a stand, or speak for the people, then we just might have action or at least, attention on many fronts.
Empathy
Much of the biggest musicians are literally living in a world far away from their fans, the people who buy and patronise their music. The average guy on the street who listens to Davido’s music, and watches his videos have a different set of problems than the artist. While the artist might be wondering what airline to take to his next vacation, his listener might just be praying for power to save him from heat at night. Speaking out on behalf of these people shows empathy. You might not be affected by the system, but your fans are, and they expect their idol to care about them too.
Values
Where do our musicians stand? What do they believe in as humans? Do they like APC or PDP? How much can they bear to see the other guy suffer? Nigerians need to know where musicians stand on the political divide as human beings. What policies do they encourage? Or what do they want to be uprooted from the law? It isn’t about being a voice here. It’s just the human thing to do.
The Future
What sort of world do they want to leave behind for their kids and loved ones? As a community of both musicians and music consumers, we should all be making the future a brighter place. This means starting, influencing or supporting a movement that would generate positivity, which improves the conditions of people. We all have a responsibility to recognize it and raise awareness.
For-Profit
This is really selfish, but political hits connect with the masses, and they rate you more. It also does increase your influence and credibility, hence expanding your fan base. This can be monetised. It’s like doing God’s work and making money from it. Best feeling ever.