Nigeria Decides 2019: The face of election season Nigerian music is changing for the better
Playing your part and other pre-election musings
Last week, “Not For Sale” surfaced online, as the official jingle of the upcoming elections. The new single, backed by the Europen Union in partnership with the Independent Electoral Commission, (INEC), is a collaboration featuring Teni, 2Baba, Waje, Umar M Sheriff, Chidinma, M.I, and Cohbams Asuquo.
Unlike a lot of election season jingles where musicality is rarely a focus, “Not For Sale” actually has sonic high points. Notably, Waje and Teni setting-up Cobhams for a choir-backed bridge that concludes with an acapella outro by 2Baba. It’s a goose-bump inducing interplay of diverse voices that can spark a desire for national harmony in the most apathetic Nigerian. But more so, a tilting emotional element indicative of an ideological shift from how Nigerian musicians have been politically-positioned during past elections.
Traditionally, local artists who have grassroots appeal and influence have always been employed by politicians for election campaigns. During Nigeria’s 2015 election season, big-money political parties began luring influential mainstream artists to also lend a voice to their camps. The result is Olamide releasing “Change” a pro-Buhari-Osibajo promotional single and “Gbagbe by Ambo”, an ensemble collaboration starring M.I, Ice Prince, Banky W Yemi Alade and others in support of outgoing Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode. These are only a few examples of many instances where Nigerian musicians have co-opted to be blatantly partisan in the past, but it is also retrospective of a trend that is being phased out today.
The contentious nature of Nigerian politics makes it hard to separate crooks from public officials who committed to serving the people. But musicians are directly in the ears of the average Nigerian and there is a limit to how much ignorance they can feign of the impact their choices can have on the people who support them.
As one of Nigeria’s few truly pan-Nigerian popstars, perhaps 2Baba knows this best. Mr Idibia has an active portfolio of songs about Nigeria. He has also headlined political sensitisation concerts like last year’s POLITIC-ALL, and led pre-election issue-based campaigns like the pre-Buhari #VoteNotFight. In addition to “Not For Sale”, Lagos-based NGO, Youth Alive Foundation, also cast 2baba, alongside Simi, Falz, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, Sunny Nneji and others for “No Shishi For Bribe”, another song about voter responsibility.
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Even partisan younger artists are also distancing themselves from traditional candidate co-signs. Davido—who has already been publicly affiliated with a big political party—launched a parallel campaign tagged #DefendYourVote. In his words, “The future of Nigeria is not negotiable”, and the aim of #DefendYourVote is to sensitise young people about their rights and civil responsibilities during the upcoming elections. Elsewhere, rapper, Rolay Bondo’s “Kriminalz”, Yung L’s “To Whom It May Concern” and Falz’s socially-charged fourth studio album Moral Instruction, are honourable mentions of music providing pointed social commentary, charging status-quo to change.
Because social media chatter around politics and social justice can be likened to a virtual bar where the loudest drunk gets heard the most, it can be hard to tell if things are changing in the real world. Going by the news; the president is still arbitrarily abusing power and social institutions whose mere existence marginalises minorities still exist. Cynicism may appear tempting against patronising cliches like ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’ or ‘democracy needs time’, but if there is any reason to cling on to hope in 2019, it’s public figures taking personal responsibility so the average joe can make better decisions.
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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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