Burna Boy’s recent comment about Wizkid could start an avoidable stars war. When compared with Wizkid in an interview, Burna said the only thing they have in common is the fact that they are from the same place and that they love themselves. He went further to add that they are also quite different because Wizkid focuses on women in his music while he focuses on life’s issues. As truthful as this is, his statement could inject some acrimony into their relationship. Before this interview, there was already a war of words between Seun Kuti and the fans of Wizkid, where Wizkid admirably came out to support the stance Seun was taking. Seun, the Afrobeats maestro who is making his late great father proud, was of the belief that Wizkid has not really won a Grammy. His reasoning was because Grammys are for musical achievements and not musical video achievements. And also, the fact that the music video in question was not the brainchild of Wizkid but that of Beyonce. But Wizkid’s fans will not take any of that, they believed their idol has a legitimate claim of being a Grammy Winner beating their archrival Davido to the landmark of being the first among the two to win a Grammy.
Musically Wizkid has enough talent to win a Grammy. But for international artists, talent is never enough. Nigeria’s greatest musical export – Fela Anikulapo Kuti became famous not just for his musical dexterity which was so good, musical greats like Paul McCartney was a passionate fan of the Nigerian great. However, Fela’s greatness was in his lyrics and activism. His music was more often protest music and what he protested about are still the same issues confronting Nigeria today. The issues of law enforcement brutality, corruption, and the passiveness of the populace need greater attention from Nigerian musicians than ever before. Hence, a Burna Boy will continue to win the most reputable international awards that value protests, inspiration, and culture-focused music than feel-good music that is the forte of most Nigerian musicians. Wizkid’s most celebrated single Ojuelegba that gave birth to his collaboration with Canadian rapper Drake is an inspirational masterpiece. Wizkid and other Nigerian musicians should take a cue from this and use their talents to promote good governance and fight against the social ills that have grown exponentially in the decades after the demise of Fela.
A musician’s focus should not just be to win international or local awards. They have an obligation to develop and deploy their talents with all they have. And their content must add value to their immediate society. Watching the music videos of most artists, you will conclude that they are part of the problem facing Nigeria in terms of the degradation of our cultural values. Davido recently reprimanded his daughter who was twerking because he obviously detests what he is promoting in his music and music videos. Burna Boy does feel-good music, but this is not the type of music that defines his offerings. Every professional must know that they have a responsibility to give back to their society in ways that will promote peace and progress. Fela Anikulapo Kuti is a classic example of this school of thought. And he was rewarded with international fame and fortune. And Burna Boy is walking in this tried-and-true path to an illustrious career filled with global awards. Other Nigerian musicians like Nice who promised to bring home the Grammy failed because they continue to ply the path that does not lead to international renown for artists from the developing world.
Ata Ukuta, Editor – www.towncryyers.com