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Lyrical Anarchy In Contemporary Nigerian Music

Published

7 years ago

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By Iwelunmor Patrick 


Music is a medium of communication the world over and a vehicle for cultural expression. There have been generous exemplifications of this reality by history. Many popular cultures of the world have been brought to the fore through the instrumentality of music and this has boosted in immense degrees the level of cultural interaction among many nations of the wide world. In Nigeria, music used to be a veritable tool for cultural orientation in the 50s up to the 60s when it was fashionable to boast of one’s culture in its unadulterated state. 

The highlife music with strong tentacles in the west and eastern regions saw the emergence of a culturally committed breed of Nigerian musicians who, other than for the love of money and cheap popularity sought to promote lofty ideals of nationalism, humanity and self actualization. 

In the then northern region, we had the likes of the then Jos-based Bongos Ikwue, the Kaduna based Bala Miller who also made concerted musical efforts to promote their indigenous cultures. As a matter of content, their music had all the elements of good stuff compared to the lyrical mishmash that have taken over the airwaves in recent times. The fact that most of those musicians of yesteryears did songs in their native dialects did not undermine the intellectual dimensions those songs expanded. Highlife music in those days aroused a sense of cultural intellectualism which gave birth to a plethora of indigenous bands that preached the concept of Africanism, which in itself was a rallying point for subsequent musical and ideological research.

Ideologically speaking, several other music genres of those days whether foreign or indigenous dissipated in their totality deep ethos of intellectual engagement and influenced the psyche of their publics in an uncompromisingly positive manner. For instance, Fela Kuti and the Koola Lobitos inspired the redefinition of afrocentrism and supposed white superiority. The same can be said of Ebenezer Obey and his International Brothers who churned out evergreen songs that promoted the Yoruba culture. It is today a matter of fact that many foreign institutions of learning have since established departments of African studies, where white scholars try to deconstruct the art and bravura hidden in the African culture. The whites have now realized that their idea of the “mythical beast” was more of colonial myopia. African music draws inspiration from myths, legends and social milieus and such can also be said of African literature. Hence it can be argued that both are two sides of the same coin. Other Nigerian musicians who have today become case studies abroad include the following: King Sunny Ade, Sir Victor Uwaifo, Dan Maraya Jos, Majek Fahek, Asa, etc.

In the early 80s up to the early 90s, when apartheid consciousness was still rife all over the world, a crop of African musicians, especially from Nigeria rose up with an almost irrepressibly united voice that shook the occidentals to submission. Alpha Blondy, the Ivorian maverick, The Mandators, Majek Fashek, Ras Kimono, Peterside Otong, Oritz Wiliki and Isaac Black are names that reverberate nostalgic reminiscence. Apart from their intellectual militancy through music, some of these musicians stunned the international music scene with their innovations. Prominent among them was Majek Fashek who perfectly blended the talking drum into reggae, thereby attracting the attention of some American rock musicians, particularly Tracy Chapman, who even wanted his drummer, Kofo the Wonderman to do stuffs for her. So rich was the heritage that generation of musicians propagated! In terms of content and style, it was difficult to fault the direction of those musicians, even though critics agreed they could have done better. But that is the beauty of the arts. Criticism is not necessarily condemnation of a work, but rather its appreciation in the most objective ways, celebrating its strong points and identifying the weak ones for subsequent improvement.

Contemporary Nigerian musicians with the exception of Asa and a few have defied all known categorizations in terms of style. Strange tunes have taken over our airwaves. Lyrical epilepsy, thematic inanity and instrumental cacophony are the order of the day. These are signifiers to a society “turning and turning in the widening gyre”, a society where the falcon can no longer hear the falconer, a society where things have fallen apart and the center cannot hold, a society where musical anarchy is unleashed upon the land. The most painful and saddest reality about the state of contemporary Nigerian music is that the youths are really enjoying the whole thing. Artistes who cannot even differentiate between notes and keys come up with all sorts of crime-inducing songs and they become stars. We celebrate them and give them awards for propagating vanity. An artiste once sang “Maga Don Pay, Shout Halleluiah” and nothing happened. I expected the EFCC to do the needful then. It is amazing to note that even some of the elderly – the agbayas – have joined in the encouragement of such wayward songs. Anarchy is the name of the game today as you hear many funny and irritating slangs being shamelessly chanted around by a generation of Nigerian artistes whose love for vanity is incurably terrible. We have been fed with aberrations such as 4kasibe, Oti Nya Nya, Wa Gba Kondo, Je ka kolabo, Yori Yori, Ginger the Swagger  and a legion of many other obscenities that have become case studies in immorality. One wonders why these artistes often propagate  quick fixes and sexual scatology as overriding sensibilities. The implication of this is that the Nigerian society is being reduced to a dancehall for intellectually empty youths who have completely lost grips with reality. 

Alarming failures in JAMB, WAEC and NECO exams are enough proof. The musical videos are laughable with no concept and artistic direction. Almost all our so called hip hop artistes have the same plot structure. It is always a set of half naked girls wriggling around stupefied boys sitting on sofas and facing a table parading a variety of alcoholic drinks.

It is also saddening to note that the Censors Board is almost helpless in the fight against the quality of music being circulated in the country at present. This is not an outright indictment of the board rather it is a sympathetic association with its challenges. The Censors Board alone may not be able to achieve great success in this war against bad music without the cooperation of all media houses most of which accept to air such music without due consultation with the board. Some DJs and presenters, out of the desire to make extra money, go all the way to air the music of desperate artistes without even paying painstaking attention to content. The National Assembly should make stringent laws to this regard and empower the relevant agencies to implement them to the letter. Let us for once encourage the production of music with substance that will worth the term “intellectual property”.

 The bastardisation of creativity in the computer age has been a burning issue for some time now, however, it is not totally given that the computer is to blame. One of the core functions of the computer is to fasten the pace of production. The computer was never conceived to substitute thinking or creativity. We think with our heads not with the computer. The computer can only be a good accessory when transmuting thought to finished product, hence, it is an invaluable asset to the thinker or creative mind which seeks to fasten the pace of production. This argument is precipitated by the unfair conclusions in many circles that digital music recording smacks of the lowest level of creativity. That digital music recording depends on computers with prefixed beats and a variety of enhancing softwares does not mean the artistes should be inept of great ideas. Dexterity in the handling of musical instruments, even though it is lacking in the present crop of Nigerian musicians, could be translated to innovative heights using the computer. Blaming the computer entirely for the waning of musical creativity does not hold much weight. Let the contemporary Nigerian artiste pay more attention to content rather than just sound. Let us encourage the production of music with useful message for the society just as Asa is doing right now. She’s young but ahead of her generation in terms of depth and creativity. Let organizers of musical reality shows encourage more creativity by allowing contestants to compose their own songs rather than just sing what other musicians have done. Let record labels redefine their standards clearly to promote positive vibes and not noise pollution. Let music marketers go for the good stuff and soft pedal on the idea of making quick money. The Alaba boys should disembark from their destructive ventures that support the proliferation of musical garbage. Let parents monitor the music their children listen to and let government go hard on all those who conspire to bleed our once intellectually vibrant musical heritage to death.

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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GLOWFUX Concert ’22: FANAFILLIT set to host 1,000 children and adults to a fiesta

Published

2 years ago

on

September 30, 2022

By

GLOWFUX Concert '22

GLOWFUX Concert ’22: FANAFILLIT set to host 1,000 children and adults to a fiesta

GLOWFUX Concert '22

The organizers of the annual GLOWFUX Charity Concert, Fanafillit Integrated Concepts, have announced their plans to host not less than 1,000 adults and children from special homes across Lagos State. This was contained in its official statement made available to the press on Friday, to announce the official commencement of activities for the annual end-of-the-year social intervention event.

According to the statement signed by the Project Coordinator, Miss Margaret Ngonadi, this year’s edition marks the 7th edition of the impactful project and the second time of spreading its tentacles across Lagos State. “As we aim to again host children from special homes like orphanages, rehabilitation centers, less privileged homes, and homes of people with special abilities, we are not going back on our promise last year to make this glamorous event statewide”, the statement reads.

 

 

 

Reiterating their commitment to the project, the organizers stated that they look forward to giving everyone a funfilled, exciting, and memorable experience at this year’s edition of the GLOWFUX Charity Concert which is slated to hold on Saturday, 28th of December, 2022 at Dan & Den Arena, Elegushi Beachfront, Lekki, Lagos.

“The general public is welcomed to celebrate with our VIP guests who will be joining us from several orphanages/special need homes across Lagos State. Admission to the event is strictly by registration through the GLOWFUX registration link and invitations to some members of the public. However, all members of the public attending the event are encouraged to come with gift items as that’s part of the criterion for clearance at the entry point”, a part of the statement read.

 

 

 

 

 

On the content of the event, the organizers assured that this year’s edition of the GLOWFUX Concert promises to feature an avalanche of entertainment, gifts, food and drinks for all. “While we already have on board some notable entertainment practitioners like Kemi Stone, Da’Fresh Olorin, Vanessa Jones, Ogbono, TalkTalk, Princephelar, Meyrah, Maryjane Dawn, FKM, Dharnniella, we are working on more popular brands and entertainment practitioners to merry with the children and make them experience the overwhelming joy of the end-of-the-year festivities. Notable amongst entertainment brands we are in talks with are Prince Jide Kosoko, Funsho Adeolu, Bimbo Akintola, Yemi Blaq, Shushu Abubakar, Yinka Alaseyori and a host of others”, said the project coordinator in the release.

Also, the organizers announced the introduction of a new award category to its GLOWFUX Hall of Charity Award Category which is tagged GLOWFUX Charitable Corporate brand of the year to recognize and celebrate Corporate Brands whose charitable endeavors have impacted their immediate community.

 

 

 

 

The organizers of the GLOWFUX Charity Concert encourage the general public to join the cause as they set to put smiles on the faces of 1000 Special Children through donations and by attending the events with gifts.

GLOWFUX (Giving Love With Fun for Xmas) is an annual end-of-the-year charity concert that brings together children from orphanages/special need homes across the state for an unusual end-of-the-year celebration with the general public.

 

 

 

The last six editions of the GLOWFUX Charity Concert have recorded myriads of impact across the State with about 1,500 children from several special homes (government-owned and private-owned) as beneficiaries.

In addition to existing brands like iCare Foundation, Hands Lifting Hearts Initiatives, Corsican Brothers, Elegushi Royal stool, MALENS diagnostics, Headway Events, DJ MAPS Productions, OPREM Photography and NSNF who have always been part of the project, other notable being considered to come on board this year’s edition includes Fidson Healthcare, Beloxxi Biscuits, Dano Milk, Unilever Nig, Seniors Wellbeing Foundations, AkModel Properties, Hypo, Dan & Den Lounge, Germane Auto and SIFAX Group.

 

 

 

 

The media supports for this year includes AIT, KRAKS TV, Legit.ng, Pulse.ng, thestatusng.blogspot.com theeagleonline.com.ng, thegazellenews.com, newspop.com, mockinbird.com.ng, omonaijablog.com.ng, freedomonline.com.ng, Hottestgistinnaija.com, Encomium magazine, YES! International magazine, theelitesng.com freedomonline.com.ng, thecitypulsenews.com, Global Excellence magazine, saharaweeklyng.com freelanews.com theimpactnewspaper.com

Inquiries on the partnership, support, and donations can be forwarded to any of the following contact 07032312815, 08111236196, 09159712472, 07061893629, 08103103198, or connect with the organizer on their social media pages @glowfux.

 

 

 

Donations can also be made through the link https://donate-ng.com/campaign/glowfux-concert

 

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“Why Poshglowskincare Is The Best Product For Your Skin”- Bukunmi Oluwasina Reveals

Published

2 years ago

on

September 15, 2022

By

Poshglowskincare

“Why Poshglowskincare Is The Best Product For Your Skin”- Bukunmi Oluwasina Reveals

Poshglowskincare

That top Nigerian actress, producer, screenwriter cum singer, Bukunmi Oluwasina has just signed a multi-million Naira endorsement deal is like stating this obvious.

This is because a few days ago, the dashing actress signed a mouthwatering endorsement deal worth £15,000 with Poshglow Skincare.

 

The Ekiti State-born entertainer who has lately been dominating the Nigerian music Industry with series of her new songs featuring international artistes, is gaining lots of attention due to her human nature.

However, in an exclusive interview with the Brand Manager of Poshglowskincare, Olanrewaju Alaka, who spoke on behalf of the company, revealed the reason the brand splashed £15,000 to renew the vivacious actress’ contract with the brand for the fourth time.

 

 

 

According to him,  “this is the fourth time  Poshglowskincare  will be  working together with Bukunmi, and we have decided to renew our working relationship this time because, we appreciate the loyalty, love and professionalism of those we work with. Additionally, it will be a good fit for our brand to work with someone people love, a celebrity with high level of relevancy and professionalism.  Most importantly our goals align and of course working with her has given us good ROI”.

“Nevertheless, our working relationship shows that the two brands have good audience perception of influencer marketing in Nigeria, especially in the beauty industry. It is not very common to have an influencer in Nigeria who truly uses the product of the brand they represent and still work with them for several years. It is a common knowledge that influencers in Nigeria only care about the revenue they generate from their endorsement, our global ambassador is keen on her audience perception and scrupulous on how she represents her brand. This is who we love to work with”.
 

 

 

 

On why she joined the brand, Bukunmi said, “Poshglow Skincare missions is to create 100% natural, productive, and 100% cruelty-free skincare products for all skin types. I am particular on the type of brand I work with and of course our goals have to align. Working with Poshglowskincare has been an amazing and interesting journey for me. I find it quite interesting to work with a brand that values creativities and appreciate what I do. Poshglowskincare is not only after getting the value of what they paid for, they will still support you and make sure you excel in that project. It is  an honour working with a brand that is keen on quality products and tries its very best to satisfy their customers”.

“Compared to some reviews I see on social media, I have never gotten negative feedback about the brand, it has always been a positive reviews and I can attest to this myself because my family and I   use Poshglowskincare”
 

 

 

 

“I don’t promote products I do not use. I’ve made a name in the entertainment industry, so I try to protect it through what I do. Poshglow Skincare is completely remarkable product and for the fourth time, we are signing business deals together”.

“This demonstrates our tenacity and steadfastness in the belief of Poshglow Skincare’s existence, even in the United Kingdom, to make inroads into the UK market and dominate”, Bukunmi stated.

 

 

 

 

Reacting to this, the Chief Executive Officer of Poshglow Skincare, Folasade Omotoyinbo said, “I am delighted to have Bukunmi as the brand ambassador, and the gains of having her is enormous”.

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Bigi ‘Watch & Win’ Promo Recommences, Offers Prizes of a Brand-New Car, Other Exciting Freebies

Published

2 years ago

on

August 26, 2022

By

Bigi

Bigi ‘Watch & Win’ Promo Recommences, Offers Prizes of a Brand-New Car, Other Exciting Freebies

Bigi

 

The Bigi carbonated soft drink (CSD) brand of Rite Foods Ltd; producers of Sosa Fruit Drink, Fearless Energy Drink and Rite Sausages has recommenced its enormously loved ‘Watch & Win’ promo where participants stand the chance of winning a brand-new car amongst other consolation prizes as part of its effort to excite movie lovers, their families and friends in Lagos and Abuja by offering them rewards for their viewing experiences whilst being revitalised with the fantastically refreshing array of the brand’s 13 flavours ( Bigi Cola, Bigi Orange, Bigi Apple, Bigi Tropical, Bigi Lemon and Lime, Bigi Bitter Lemon, Bigi Chapman, Bigi Tamarind, Bigi Cherry Cola, Bigi Ginger Lemon, Bigi Ginger Ale and Bigi Zero Cola) thereby offering extensive value for money.

The Mega Promo, was flagged off in December last year as its first edition and saw the winner, Amarachi Chukwuma, being gifted with a brand-new car and over One hundred packs of Bigi drinks at a presentation ceremony held at the Silverbird Cinema, in Victoria Island, Lagos, on Monday, 11 April, 2022, amid other participants who attested to the credibility of the reward initiative.

 

 

 

 

 

To recommence its second edition, the promo kicked off from August 8th till the 31st October 2022 and cinema lovers are encouraged to partake in the promo, as Bigi is poised towards rewarding and refreshing them with its unique variety from its 13 variants that have blazed the trail in the CSD segment, having been acclaimed as the market leader by consumers across the country.

As a consumer centric brand, the promo demonstrates Bigi’s value for its consumers while having delightful moments watching their much-loved movies, with the nourishment provided through its unique flavours. This stride, is amidst the beverage industry pacesetter promoting entertainment through various initiatives such as its sponsorship of Art of Living, Felabration, Nigerian Idol and the international musical star discovery platform for young Nigerian artists, that saw the Bayelsa-born Kingdom Kroseide and the Delta-born Progress Chukwuyem emerge winners of Season 6 and Season 7 respectively.

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