Today, October 1, 2017 is being marked all over the country as the fifty seventh anniversary since Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule. Some parts of the country were under British rule for many decades prior to the formal formation of Nigeria in 1900, and while we had numerous empires, kingdoms, autonomous villages and a Caliphate prior to 1900, we did not have one country called Nigeria until the Brits cobbled one together.
This anniversary is being marked in a low key manner by all three tiers of government partly because of the poor economy, partly because of insecurity in all parts of the country and also partly because 57 is not a significant landmark such as 10, 25, 50 or 100 years. As we celebrate Nigeria’s 57th year of Independence, what better way to bask in our Nigerian-ness than to listen to seven beautifully written songs about Nigeria, by Nigerians- that will make you feel everything, from joy to nostalgia and possibly reignite the patriotism of some weary citizens.
Here’s a list of 7 songs you should listen to this weekend
1. Veno Marioghae – Nigeria Go Survive
Nigeria Go Survive is one of Veno Marioghae’s greatest compositions, which was released in 1984. This song was released during the military regime when Nigerians called and clamoured for basic amenities of life. The lyrics of the song gave hope in perilous times (tribal, religious and economic crisis) within the country. Regardless of the state of the country she said, Nigeria will survive and we’ll pull through, pleading with all Nigerians that wanted to flee to have hope and fate in their nation.
2. Onyeka Owenu – One Love
The Elegant Stallion Onyeka Onwenu is probably the most adored female singer in Nigeria and with good reason. One Love is the lead song off her fourth ‘One Love’ released in 1986. The song that promotes love, unity and oneness amongst Nigerians and this can be deduced from the first line of the chorus.
3. Evi Edna Ogholi – One Kilometer
Evi Edna is one of Nigeria’s most celebrated Raggea artiste – some called her Queen of Reggae. Known for her unique style and native lyrics, One kilometre was a hit song off her 1988 album titled “On the move”. The song spoke about all the tribes in Nigeria from the East, West, North and south and how they are separated by kilometers. The lyrics reflects how diverse Nigeria is in terms of ethnicity.
4. King Sunny Ade – The Way Forward
In 1994, Ade brought together over 32 Nigerian musicians/actors to record a song against ethnic violence called ‘The Way Forward’. They sung it in different Nigerian languages; synthesized the English and surrounded it with Hausa from the north, Yoruba from the west, Ibo from the east, and other languages. The song encouraged politicians to bury their hatchets; reminding them the efforts of Nigerians to obtain Independence, and today feels as right a time as any to listen to the record again.
5. Sound Sultan – Motherland
In 2006, Sound Sultan dropped a record titled ‘Motherland’ while he was a Kennis Music signee. The song was basically plea to all Nigerians in diaspora that left Nigeria with the promise of returning home and never did. It further buttressed 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.
6. TY Bello – Green Land
This perhaps is the most popular patriotic song among millennial. Off TY Bello’s debut album Green Land in 2008, it carried a message of love and hope. The track title track fast became a national chant as it inspired Nigerians to keep hope alive and keep believing in ourselves and our nation. TY Bello who was a member of famous gospel band ‘Kush’ is not only a music artist but is also an internationally recognised portrait photographer. She is director of the NGO, Link-a-child and organizes an annual photography exhibition to raise funds for orphans nationwide.
7. Timi Dakolo – Great Nation
Released in November 2012, Great nation is that one song that will shoot you right into patriotic mood. The lyrics of the song tell us how we can build this nation together through peace, unity and Justice. Timi Dakolo I became an unofficial part of former President Goodluck Jonathan entourage whenever he had to travel to other countries to seek for foreign investment.
No comments:
Post a Comment