From Stereoman’s E Dey Pain Me to Eedris Abdulkareem’s Jaga Jaga, African China’s Mr President, Orezi’s We Don Tire, Burna Boy’s Collateral Damage and 20.10.20, to Efe Oraka’s Live Rounds in the Dark, Nigerian musicians have continually used their voices to reflect the frustrations of the people. These songs have not only entertained but have become mainstays in protest and expressions of a collective yearning for better leadership.

The relationship between music and politics in Nigeria is complex and has a long history. Many Nigerian artists consider themselves citizens first before national or world stars. They lived through the same hardships, faced the same injustice, and witnessed the same failings of leadership as every other person. Naturally, their music tends to become a tool for truth-telling and constructive criticism.

In a country plagued by corruption and poor governance for a long time, music has emerged as one of the most powerful means of protest and criticism. Through it, the masses find their voices amplified and it becomes a platform to vent and resist.

Fela Anikulapo Kuti is the most iconic figure at the intersection of Nigerian music and political activism. A Pan-Africanist and pioneer of Afrobeat, Fela used his music to expose the rot in Nigeria’s political system. Tracks like Zombie, Shuffering & Shmiling, Sorrow, Tears & Blood, and Coffin for Head of State, were scathing commentaries on the state of the nation. Even 28 years after his death, the issues he sang about—corruption, cost of living, nepotism, police brutality—are still very present.

The 1980s saw the rise of reggae as another platform of resistance on Nigerian airwaves. Artists like Victor Essiet and his Mandators band, and Ras Kimono, used reggae to speak, addressing the failing system and calling out societal injustice.

Fast forward to the 2000s, and this tradition continued. Eedris Abdulkareem’s Jaga Jaga criticized the state of the nation, while 9ice’s Make Dem Talk reflected on poverty, inequality, and poor policing. These artists didn’t shy away from these hard conversations, instead, they used their platforms to start and address them.

However, not all political involvement in music is centered on critique. The Nigerian soundscape, particularly Afrobeats, aside from running critics, has also played a significant role in political campaigns and endorsements. Politicians have long recognized the unifying power of music and its ability to connect with the masses, particularly with young people.

Rex Thomson once observed that the bond between music and politics stretches from protest songs to campaign anthems, and political endorsements to rally soundtracks. In Nigeria, this is a bond that is evident in every political rally across the nation, from the followers' chants for candidates to the music blasting from the stereos on the rally grounds.

This shows that music is not only a tool for resistance, it is also used to inspire allegiance and create a connection during elections.

Sometimes, musicians openly praise political figures, as seen in Oliver De Coque’s 1994 track Abacha Chibanyi Democracy, where he commended General Sani Abacha and his wife, Mariam for the Family Support Program. While this might raise eyebrows today, it highlights how music has long played a part in shaping public opinion, whether critically or in support.

In the 2023 elections, music was once again front and center. APC’s Bola Ahmed Tinubu adopted Kizz Daniel’s Buga as his campaign anthem, frequently dancing to the viral song with his signature broom in hand. PDP candidate Atiku Abubakar, on the other hand, launched his nation-recovery plan with a choreographed video set to Davido’s 2022 hit, Stand Strong.

Just by aligning themselves with trending music, politicians look to tap into the space of Nigeria’s youth—the country’s largest voting group. These songs serve as a bridge between the older political class and the younger generation, who in recent times, increasingly demand transparency and real change.

As we mark Democracy Day, it’s important to think about the role music has played and continues to play in our democratic journey. It is crucial to also note that Nigerian music will always be a living record of the hopes of the people, disappointments, and the unshakable desire for a better future.

The relationship between music and politics in Nigeria is complex and has a long history.

Nigerian Music and Democracy, The Nigerian Spectacle

The relationship between music and politics in Nigeria is complex and has a long history.

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