By Bisola Bello
As Nigeria celebrates 55 years of Independence, qed.ng takes a look at some of the songs that have told the country’s story over the years.
Zombie – Fela Anikulapo Kuti
Legendary Afrobeat musician, Late Fela Anikulapo Kuti, was notoriously known for his songs about Nigeria during his days. Many will say he paved way for others to freely talk about the situation of the country. In 1977, Fela and the Afrika ’70 released the song ‘Zombie’, a scathing attack on Nigerian soldiers using the zombie metaphor to describe the methods of the Nigerian military. The song spoke to every Nigerian and this infuriated the government. In retaliation, they set off a vicious attack of 1000 soldiers against Fela’s community known as the Kalakuta Republic. Till date many still sing the song ‘Zombie oo Zombie’.
Which Way Nigeria – Sunny Okosuns
Sung by the Late Sunny Okosuns, ‘Which Way Nigeria’ addresses the issues that plague Nigeria’s youths. The empty promises made by r leaders and the dashed hopes of children who were always told they were leaders of tomorrow but never got a chance. The song asks the relevant question – How long shall we be patient before we reach the Promised Land? Decades after Independence, a lot seems to go unchanged.
Nigeria Go Survive – Veno Marioghae
‘Nigeria Go Survive’ is one of Veno Marioghae’s greatest compositions. This song was released in 1984 during the military regime when Nigerians called and clamoured for basic amenities of life. The lyrics of the song give hope in perilous times. Regardless of the state of the country she says, Nigeria will survive and we will pull through, pleading with all Nigerians that want to flee to have hope and fate in their nation. She was right, even if we are not there yet, we are surviving.
The Way Forward – King Sunny Ade
King Sunny Ade in 1994 called on various artistes to release the song ‘The Way Forward’. The song implores the Nigerian people to join hands together to ensure the betterment of this great nation.
Mr. President – African China
From the streets of Orile came the reggae-dancehall act that confronted the government. Mr President is a conscious song that rocked the four cardinal points of Nigeria to say the least and made African China a household name. The infectious chorus of the track addressing corruption in the nation says “Mr. President, lead us well, if you be governor, govern us well, if you be senator, senate am well, if you be police, police well well, no dey take bribe…”
Jaga Jaga – Eedris AbdulKareem
Released in 2004, ‘Jaga Jaga’ was the track that put Kennis Music act, Eedris Abdulkareem, at logger heads with then Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo. The song which talks about corruption and suffering in Nigeria was eventually banned off radio waves although it continues to be played in nightclubs.
Motherland – Sound Sultan
Motherland was released in 2006 by Sound Sultan under the Kennis Music label. This song basically talks about our Motherland (Nigeria). The lyrics of the song is more of a plea to all Nigerians in Diaspora that left Nigeria with the promise of returning home and never did. It further buttresses that however rosy, beautiful and blessed a foreign land may be, home is home and we should always remember that no one can build Nigeria but Nigerians.
Greenland – TY Bello
In 2008 came a song by TY Bello that preached love and hope. The track that sings “the land is green” fast became a national chant as it inspired Nigerians to keep hope alive and keep believing in ourselves and our nation.
Great Nation – Timi Dakolo
Released in November 2012, ‘Great Nation’ went viral from the first day of release. The lyrics of the song tell us how great we can build this nation together through peace, unity and Justice.
See Us Now – JJC and Kate Henshaw
A new offering, JJC teamed up with Nollywood actress, Kate Henshaw, to sing a song in celebration of Nigeria and its accomplishments. The song reminds the Nigerian people of the country’s tremendous potential and encourages us to stay hopeful of a better future ahead.
