KEY POINTS

• Music in Nigeria has evolved from entertainment to a powerful form of political expression, with artists addressing corruption, inequality, and government failures.

• Contemporary musicians like Burna Boy and Falz have continued the legacy of political resistance set by Fela Kuti, using their music to inspire civic engagement and social change.

• Despite attempts at censorship, Nigerian music remains a crucial vehicle for political discourse, fueling movements like #EndSARS and empowering citizens to challenge the status quo.

In Nigeria, music has long transcended its role as mere entertainment, becoming a vital channel for political expression and social change.

Over the years, Nigerian artists have harnessed the power of their craft to address political issues, challenge governmental policies, and raise awareness on various social injustices.

From the classic Afrobeat tunes of Fela Kuti to the contemporary sounds of Burna Boy and Falz, Nigerian music has not only mirrored the political landscape but actively shaped it.

Music in Nigeria has become a universal language, used to communicate with people across different regions, ethnicities, and social classes.

Through catchy beats and compelling lyrics, artists have captured the attention of millions, provoking critical conversations around corruption, human rights abuses, and political instability. Artists like Fela Kuti, whose songs like “Zombie” and “Water No Get Enemy” challenged military dictatorship, showed how music could mobilize citizens to stand against oppression.

The New wave of politically charged music in Nigeria

Today, contemporary Nigerian musicians are following in Fela’s footsteps, but with modern twists. Artists like Burna Boy, who won a Grammy for his album “African Giant,” continue to use music as a weapon of political resistance. His song “Anybody” touches on themes of inequality, police brutality, and the government’s failure to address the needs of the masses.

Burna Boy’s lyrics consistently challenge the status quo, making him a prominent figure in the intersection of music and politics.

Similarly, rapper and actor Falz has used his platform to critique the government. His hit single “This Is Nigeria,” a clear nod to Childish Gambino’s “This Is America,” offers a scathing critique of corruption, societal issues, and the government’s negligence in the face of public suffering. Falz’s blend of rap and sharp political commentary has solidified his place as one of the most vocal artists advocating for change.

Music as a catalyst for civic engagement

Nigerian music has become a powerful catalyst for civic engagement. Artists are no longer just entertainers; they are political commentators who use their influence to mobilize the youth, who make up the largest demographic in the country. Songs and music videos often serve as calls to action, urging Nigerians to vote, protest, or hold leaders accountable.

The youth-driven #EndSARS movement in 2020, which led to nationwide protests against police brutality, was heavily fueled by politically charged music, with songs by artists like Runtown and #EndSARS anthem “Something Must Kill A Man” by Nigerian rapper, M.I Abaga, serving as rallying cries for the masses.

“Music gives us the ability to speak the truth to power in a way that people can hear and feel. It’s a powerful medium to bring about change,” said Falz in an interview discussing the importance of music in political activism.

The Nigerian government has, at times, responded with censorship, attempting to stifle artists who speak out against government policies. However, these efforts have often backfired, only making the messages more compelling. Music as political expression continues to thrive, supported by a growing number of artists, producers, and fans who see it as a tool for freedom and progress.