It’s
less than two years to the 2019 Nigeria General Elections, and the
country is warming itself up for the circus that comes with an election
year
Plans are being concluded, deals are in the process of being struck
all around the country, and political and PR machinery are being oiled
to perfection for the long, drawn-out battle on many fronts.
There has been a growing campaign among the youths of the
country for power to be handed to a younger generation who are
disillusioned by the state of the country, under the governance of the
current political elite. This call generated the popular ‘Not Too Young
To Run Bill’, which the Nigerian senate just passed.
The
much-anticipated bill, seeks age reduction for elective offices in the
country. This now means Nigerian youths can contest for President at the
age of 35 and Governor or Senators at the age of 30. It is a change
from the initial 40 and 35 years limit respectively, which was mandated
by the constitution.
The bill also
stipulates that 25-year-old people, can now legislate in the National
and State Assemblies across the country. Although it is yet to become
law, Nigerian musicians are throwing themselves at the door of politics,
seeking to serve in elected positions.
Singer Kcee, popularly recognized for his single ‘Limpopo’
appears to be gunning for the governorship position at his state level.
According to posters which declare his intention, the gubernatorial
election of Anambra state will have him running through the polls and
probably doing that dance in his colourful outfits.
“I will submerge myself in the next coming months to seeking necessary counsel and support in achieving this goal,” the singer wrote on Instagram. “I encourage every youth and all of my fans to join this movement of contributing our quota to the rescue of this great nation.”
Terry
G is another artist whose intention to contest has been made public.
The singer born Gabriel Ochie Amanyi, intends to run in his home state,
Benue. Based on his initial declaration, his entire manifesto is based
on kicking out the ‘old cargoes’ from power.
“Power belongs to the youths,” he wrote. “Say
no to old cargos…vote terry g for governor/deputy of benue state, I
will make you proud. When I say legalize you say ginjah…”
I
know many of you reading this don’t consider Kcee and Terry G serious
candidates for any political position. You guys have made your stance
and your doubts loud and clear. We hear you. But let’s imagine a world
where Kcee and Terry G are genuine contenders for the positions. Let’s
just for one moment put aside our overwhelming disbelief in their
intentions, and consider them candidates for power.
How does this affect their music? How do musicians who become politicians get by in balancing their ambition with their art?
First,
no musician in his prime will consider dropping that life for one of
politics. A man with a hit song, with tour duties and huge sales figures
is more likely to look inward for salvation, rather than risk it all
for the people. In Nigeria, the people dance to the music and follow the
creators of the art. That’s a level of influence that many artists
within the country crave. When they get that, they achieve satisfaction.
The
only creatives who would want an active part in politics are the ones
with free time on their hands. Close your eyes and try to imagine
Wizkid, Davido, or Phyno drop their pop blessings, put music on the
backfoot, and decide to go chasing the toga of public servitude. Their
mothers will be the first to go into deliverance sessions on their
behalf.
That ball can only be played by
artists with time on their hands, and not much to lose. Politics is a
different career. It throws you into a 24/7 occupation that demands your
time, money, and mind. There will be no space. The only music you can
record and release in the heat of a campaign will be the soundtrack to
your race.
Then there’s the entire
desperation and violence that is a constant part of our country’s
politics. Would our artists want to throw themselves into that world?
Where deals are made with the devil, and the human conscience is simply
decoration.
But
away from holding political offices, artists can get involved with
governance by utilising their positions to influence key decisions and
speak for the people.
Through the years,
several musicians and bands have utilised their music as a vehicle to
express their political views and call for change. From Fela Kuti to
African China, these artists use songs and performances to spark
movements. As long as there are policies and issues to influence, these
artists bands can keep making sure their voices get heard and inspire
change.
But the moment they cross that
line, and declare their intentions for office, they seize to be
musicians. They have abandoned the world of art for something darker,
deadly, and ultimately corrupt.
Musicians
and music consumers, should be making the future a brighter place.
Artists don’t have to be involved in politics, constantly campaigning
for every cause and seeking to run for offices. No, but as human beings
who depend on one another for societal balance and improvement of daily
human experiences, we have a responsibility to play a part in
governance.