When Efe Ajagba knocked out heavyweight rival Joe Goodall in the fourth round of their fight recently, what most people did not know was that he was avenging a controversial 2014 Commonwealth Games defeat to Joe Goodall in Glasgow. With the win, Efe Ajagba extended his professional record to 19-1 as the referee halted the fight just under a minute into the fourth round, handing Goodall the second loss of his career. As great as the fight was for viewers globally, the part that caught my attention most was Ajagba’s entrance into the arena. He was ushered into the arena by Nigerian musician and Big Brother Naija Season 2 Winner – Michael Efe Ejeba, popularly known as Efemoney singing his latest trending hit song, “Money Talk (Ota Igho)”, featuring King Enakpodia the Urhobo traditional music crooner.
I was impressed with the outcome of the fight. But I was more impressed with Efe Ajagba’s decision to showcase his kinsman – Efemoney in such a global platform. I am also happy with the fact that Efemoney’s most airplayed song so far is a song he collaborated with a traditional Urhobo musician. This is a confirmation of the already known fact that African musicians draw more positive attention to themselves that translate to success in their career when they dig deep into their cultural heritage.
From Burna Boy to Afrobeat’s latest rave Asake, being proud to showcase our African culture in our Art promotes our Art more than copycatting American or European styles. This is not just true for music but also for other forms of Art. From UNESCO’s Living Treasure – Bruce Onobrakpeya’s focus on Urhobo mythology to Fela Anikulapo’s singing in Yoruba culture and focus on the socio-economics happenings in Nigeria and Africa, the path to global recognition is local content addition.
During the Efe Ajagba fight, I also came to the conclusion that persistence pays. The two Efes – Efe Ajagba and Efe Ejeba (Efemoney) have been consistently making progress in their respective careers, and it would not be surprising to see Efe Ajagba becoming an Undisputed Champion of the world in the near future. I am also very impressed with the persistence of Efemoney. After winning the Big Brother crown, most people frowned at his decision to pursue a music career, but today he is proving naysayers wrong.
If you take a look at what is happening in Nigeria today, it is almost impossible for a youth to start a bank or large corporation that needs substantial funding or government approval. In a way, the youths are being rigged out from most things that matters. Fortunately, the internet came and has helped to create industries where youths have great advantage and cannot be rigged out. If you are reading this and you consider yourself a youth, know the internet has multiple opportunities that you can use to manifest your dreams. Start dreaming – start working!
Ata Ukuta, Editor – Twoncryyers