“No Gree for Anybody” is a perfect reflection of the current Nigerian experience
“You wan gree? If you like, gree!”
Primarily because they’ve become a symbol of civil antipathy towards authority, there’s a general shrug when the Nigeria Police Force is strongly against something. In this case, it’s a viral social media parlance that’s now been adopted as a widespread mantra. About two weeks ago, The Nigerian Police force spokesperson held a press briefing to state that ‘No gree for anybody’ is a threat to national security. “No gree for anybody has been seen as normal talk, but in the security business and the security community, we have seen it as a dangerous slogan that can trigger crisis,” Muyiwa Adejobi said.
Yeah, right.
Not to make this about the Nigerian Police, an institution that’s definitely not a friend to the vast portion of Nigerian youth, but its stance can be classified as further validation for the “dangerous slogan.” In a time where insecurity keeps hitting alarming highs, with entire communities being attacked by terrorists and kidnappers even breaking into homes to abduct entire families, it’s disturbing that words, with incredibly clear meaning, got the attention of the institution that should be serving and protecting human lives.
My cartoon today: NO GREE FOR ANYBODY
Is this another case of misplaced priority?pic.twitter.com/o8S0MPFZnl
— Wilfred E. Orhue
(@Fredolution_Now) January 21, 2024
The exact origin point of “No gree for anybody” is somewhat hazy, but it generally caught on during December, last year. As with many things, it was amplified on TikTok, where random videos of people fighting went viral, with the catchphrase as the tag for these videos. In one of the videos I saw first, a woman who’s hawking her goods in traffic pulls a passenger down from the bus and the duo slug it out on red clay. What kick-started the fight was unclear, but the passenger had hit the trader, and because the cars were parked in standstill traffic, she decided to dish out some get-back, plus more.
The context of “No gree for anybody” is simple: Stand up for yourself. Opening 2024, it has carried over and has been adopted as a mantra for wanting more and wanting better. Not ‘greeing’ means doing whatever is necessary to achieve set personal goals for the year, even if that means the anybody is yourself. As people have applied it to the annual resolutions conversations, there have been tweets like “No gree for yourself,” with respect to complacency and procrastination. As a resolve, it’s has the same galvanising yet jovial force of slangs like “Standing on bidness” and “Keeping it 100.”
Just beyond the immediacy of its personal context, the mantra also has its wider importance, in response to the conditions of Nigeria’s ailing economy and general social issues. Over a week ago, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that headline inflation for December 2023 hit 28.92%, and food inflation rose to 33.9%, both significantly worse numbers compared to a year ago.
Generally, the mood is sour, with the aforementioned insecurity woes being a prominent theme, and a social infrastructure that doesn’t elevate the quality of life for everyday Nigerians. Electricity supply has become worse, the price of petrol has reached historic highs, transportation has gotten more expensive without being more efficient, and for many there’s lack of faith in the federal administration that entered office following last year’s controversial elections. All of this, plus more, has pushed Nigerians into high alert mode, where survival is essential, however, we also want to find pockets of joy without our actual pockets drying up.
“No gree for anybody” is a self-serving mantra in service of the difficult times we find ourselves in. There’s always been a prevailing theory that Nigerians often look out for ourselves first, many times at the expense of others—this slogan might as well be evidence. But it always bears mentioning that it’s in response to the times, desperate times warrant desperate measures and other similar sentiments. Perhaps, the positive part is that the generally agreed measures that align with “No gree for anybody” means Nigerians, especially the youth, are doubling down on working hard and working smart. It’s not like there are any other viable options, earning more (as a lazy Nigerian youth no less) is a necessity.
No one is going to define Nigerians as altruistic but, even in our prescribed self-absorbedness, there’s a communal aspect to our lives that’s been amplified in bracing moments, from the EndSARS protests, to the crowdfunding for victims and survivors of insecurity attacks, and even a woman and her family’s life changing overnight. (For the latter, let’s save the discussion about broke-shaming and fragile male egos for another day.) These instances would make it disingenuous to reduce “No gree for anybody” into a clarion call for selfishness. The fact that it was unanimously agreed upon speaks to the dynamism of the Nigerian experience.
It feels apt to end on the addendum: “You wan gree? If you like, gree!”
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Studio monkey shoulder is funding ideas to bring music communities to life
N20 million up for
Following a successful first campaign, Studio Monkey Shoulder returns to Nigeria for the second year in a row. A brainchild of the Scottish Whisky brand Monkey Shoulder and online radio station Worldwide FM, Studio Monkey Shoulder is a grassroots music initiative created to fund trailblazers who are pushing sonic boundaries while also fostering real-world connections across different regions. Last year, Jazzhole received the Nigerian grant to digitally remaster rare archival recordings that preserve and celebrate Nigeria’s rich musical heritage.
This year, the competition, in continued partnership with legendary DJ and Worldwide FM founder Gilles Peterson, once again invites the country’s most innovative and ambitious grassroots music communities – everything from from independent record stores to DIY music venues, online radio stations and collectives – to apply for a £10,000 grant (₦20 million) to bring their hugely imaginative music projects to life.
“I am thrilled to see Studio Monkey Shoulder grow in its second year in partnership with Worldwide FM. It’s been a privilege to work with the communities we supported in 2024, seeing their projects thrive and come to life,” Peterson stated in a press release. “I am excited to uncover more amazing community-driven projects in Nigeria and witness the talent that comes with it as the project evolves in year two.”
The winner of this year’s grant will join an international creative network that’s designed to elevate community voices and bring their stories to a global stage. Applications for Nigeria’s Studio Monkey Shoulder Fund open on April 28th and close on June 1st.
For full details and to apply, visit this website
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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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