Here are 7 election season songs you should be bumping right now
A pre-election playlist you'd actually enjoy
We are officially in election season. Political takes have taken over the timeline, cafe-room chats, beer parlour debates, and more notably, popular music. It’s perhaps indicative of the complaints against the current administration as more than ever before, artists are willing to use their platforms and influence to mobilize for progressive political campaigns and jingles. Here’s a list of some of the most notable politically charged singles from the last few months.
INEC’s Avengers – “Not For Sale”
Previous election seasons were dominated by political-party affiliated jingles from our biggest pop-stars. This year, however, artists seem more reluctant to make such alliances as 2Baba, M.I, Tenitheentertainer, Waje, Chidinma, Umar Shareef and Cobhams Asuquo team up on INEC’s “Not For Sale”. Their nonpartisan political message made their soulful plea for citizens to exercise their franchise more compelling.
Slimcase, Simi, Mr. P, 2Baba, Pasuma, Falz, Illbliss, Timi Dakolo, Waje – “No Shishi For Bribe”
The inadequacies of the government become even more magnified during election season with opposition factions pointing fingers and raising pitchforks at the incumbent. It almost never comes up that our democratic government means part of the responsibility should fall on us, voting citizens. But ID Cabasa, Slimcase, Simi, Mr. P, 2Baba, Waje, Falz, Timi Dakolo, Illbliss and Pasuma make an admirable effort to remind everyone of the fact on “No Shishi For Bribe”, begging citizens to vote for the right reasons rather than sell their votes.
Falz – “Talk”
Falz has carved several niches for himself since he got into the industry (comedian, actor, TV show host), but his recent foray into socially conscious issues has been the most divisive despite being commercially accomplished. “This is Nigeria” may have set the template for his new-found political agenda, but it was “Talk” that introduced the candid and confrontational nature of his recently released ‘Moral Instruction’ project. Here he scrutinises with such precise metaphors that he might as well have illustrated a forensics portrait.
Rolay Bondo -“Kriminalz”
There’s a head-snapping, time-warped quality to Rolay Bondo’s new single, “Kriminalz”. Though the “This is Nigeria” inspired hook listens derivative, there isn’t the slightest hint of parody in her gripping tale of Nigeria’s unique backwardness. Her deadpan breakdown of the systematised injustice in the country is matched only by the melancholic percussion and downcast facial expressions in the music video.
Mr Raw – “Obodo Bu Igwe”
It’s hard to imagine any song raffling President Buhari’s feather, but Mr Raw’s lyrics, seemingly addressed to his brothers living outside the city, “It is Crazy/ We Dey Work Hard on a Daily/… Say Na The Youth Dey Lazy”, sure drives home the point that ‘the president doesn’t know what he’s saying’.
Superwozzy – “The Cops, The Youth, The Country”
“The Cops The Youth The Country” earmarks rapper, Superwozzy’s deft ability, stringing words together in captivating rhymes while also weaving those rhymes into stunning narratives that retain listener’s attention. Over a decidedly soulful beat, Superwozzy retells the story of a young hustler in such riveting detail that the familiar hip-hop narrative feels like nothing we’ve never heard before. In less than 5 minutes, his lyrics describe the day to day hardships of being a young creative in a conservative and overpoliced society.—“SARS Mu Wa La Se/ Wan Mr Bean Wa/ Treating Us Like Trash bi Idoti Ninu Bin Wa”( Sars Took us by the legs/Did us like Mr Bean/treating us like trash, like I idiots, in our own bin).
9ice – “Promise and Fail”
Normally, we’d be inclined to advise those who live in glass house against throwing stones, but when it comes to the very important subject of governance, we leave room for liberty. 9ice’s certainly wasn’t thinking about the Grammys on “Promise and Fail”, when he called out corrupt politicians for not honouring their promises. And in case you had any doubts about how current an artist popularly referred to as ‘ancestor’ can be, the song’s opening lines are “This is Not the Change That I Voted For/ This is Not a Game Like a PS4”.
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NATIVE PREMIERE: Tanika Is Stepping Out On Her Terms With The Kida Kudz-Assisted “FAST FWD”
From working her way out of London’s Myatt’s Field, Tanika is now setting her sights on the bright lights...
Across a career that’s in its second decade, Tanika has proven to be a force in her own right, holding her own on collaborations with Black British stars like Stormzy and Wretch 32, as well as popular record producer Naughty Boy–working with the Grammy-nominated beatmaker on his acclaimed ‘Hotel Cabana’ album.
Following a stint as an actor, she returned to the studio in 2021, releasing a new extended play, ‘333,’ in 2023. The project carried all the hallmarks of Tanika at her tantalising best: lilting cadences, well-paced narratives, a songwriting that reaches for the heart of the matter.
On her latest song, “Fast Fwd,” she’s growing into her own and stepping into a new era. In many ways, “Fast Fwd,” a hypnotic, sultry anthem, is landing just in time for summer revelry. Produced by her longtime collaborator, Naughty Boy, her silky vocals land effortlessly on the mid-tempo instrumental and pulsates with her desire for her love interest.
Joined on the song by her fiancé, Kida Kudz, they make an interesting duo and replicate the synergy they had on “Nobody,” off Kudz’s 2021 ‘Top Memba.’ Distinctively marked by use of neon lights, the video for the song captures the effervescence of romance that Tanika hums about throughout the song.
From working her way out of London’s Myatt’s Field to becoming a star with millions of streams, Tanika is now setting her sights on the bright lights of superstardom. Ahead of the official release of the single, we had a brief chat with Tanika about her career, the influences for “Fast Fwd,” and working with KIda Kudz on it.
Her answers, which follow below, have been lightly edited for clarity.
How would you describe where you are in your career right now?
I’m just enjoying the journey.
What does the release of “Fast Fwd” signify for you?
It signifies love.
Why is Kida Kudz a fit for the song? (
To be honest, we didn’t plan to do another song together. I have worked on two records with him before (“Nobody” and “Tasty Time” ) but we never thought to shoot a video for it.. “Fast Fwd” felt like a real testimony of our present moment in the relationship.
You’ve worked extensively with Naughty Boy and he’s helped with “Fast Fwd,” what’s your relationship like and why does it work?
Naughty Boy knows me very well. We’ve known one another for over 10 years, so he knows what fits me musically. We gel. I think him knowing me and being a fan of Kida’s music made it all work. Naughty Boy does his listening before he makes a beat for you. A lot of producers don’t really understand the importance of knowing the artist musically but he does.
What were you aiming for with the video?
To be honest, I’m aiming for nothing. I’m just enjoying the journey. It’s been a very long road and I know I still have a long way to go.
Catch an exclusive view of “Fast Fwd” below.
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Fanti Carnival Returns to Lagos This Easter with a Vibrant Celebration of Afro-Brazilian Culture
The historic Fanti Carnival is set to make its grand return on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, bringing the...
The historic Fanti Carnival is set to make its grand return on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, bringing the streets of Lagos Island alive with colour, music, and culture. With roots dating back to 1890, the Lagos Fanti Carnival is one of Nigeria’s oldest and most vibrant cultural traditions, celebrating the deep ties between Nigeria and Brazil through a dynamic fusion of Afro-Brazilian heritage and modern creativity.
This year’s edition is supported by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, in partnership with Robert Taylor Media and the Brazilian Descendants Association of Lagos. Together, they aim to honour the legacy of the Afro-Brazilian community in Lagos — descendants of formerly enslaved returnees who shaped the city’s culture, religion, and architecture.
The carnival procession will kick off at 12:00 PM, starting from Old Defence Road and will end at the JK Randle Centre, with accreditation beginning at 10:00 AM. Attendees can expect a stunning showcase of traditional costumes, Afro-Brazilian drumming, dance, and performances from local creatives reinterpreting heritage for a new generation.
Whether you’re drawn to the dazzling pageantry, the live performances, or the chance to connect with a rich cultural history, the Fanti Carnival is an unmissable event this Easter.
Tickets are now available, and more information can be found via the official Fanti Carnival website or their social platforms.
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Vlisco’s “The Garden Of Sisterhood” Campaign Comes To Life in New “MAYANGA” Video
A celebration of creativity and cultural
Dutch textile brand Vlisco recently unveiled its latest campaign ‘The Garden Of Sisterhood,’ as part of its women’s month celebration. The campaign, which looks to extend Vlisco’s rich legacy in African fashion and its ongoing celebration of creativity and cultural storytelling, takes inspiration from Congolese musical icon Fally Ipupa’s latest single, “Mayanga.” The song’s accompanying music video was shot in the Ivory Coast, and seamlessly balances Ipupa’s signature soulful Rumba music with intricate floral motifs and soft, elegant colour palettes that celebrate the strength and individuality that blossoms through community.
In addition to Fally Ipupa, Vlisco also tapped up Ivorian fashion designer Loza Maléombho and Nigerian director Daniel Obasi to contribute to ‘The Garden Of Sisterhood’ campaign. Maléombho’s unique designs and Obasi’s striking storytelling helped contribute to actualising Vlisco’s distinct aesthetic and vision of merging heritage, creativity and fashion.
In a statement discussing the collaboration with Vlisco, the Congolese superstar described it as a beautiful experience. “They understood my vision of working with talented artists and honouring the beautiful women who wear Vlisco fabrics. By creating exclusive designs for me and the remarkable women in the cast, Vlisco really brought our artistic vision to life, harmoniously fusing music and fashion,” he said.
Similarly, Marlou van Engelen, the creative director of Vlisco, expressed that it was an honour working with Fally Ipupa. “His song ‘MAYANGA’ perfectly reflects our admiration for the women who shaped us, inspire us, and mean so much to us. For us, it’s not just about fashion; it’s about the stories told through our beautiful prints. And I believe the best stories are always told together,” she said in a statement.
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