In Nigeria, music often intersects with politics, with artists using their platforms to address social and political issues. Recently, there has been growing pressure on Afrobeats artists to align with social causes, especially during periods of mass protests.
Recent Context: Amidst protests over economic hardships and high living costs, Nigerian fans have called on prominent musicians to speak up and show support. This has been especially noticeable in the case of Burna Boy, who faced criticism for not supporting recent protests, recalling backlash he experienced during the 2020 EndSARS protests. Critics argue that while Burna Boy’s music addresses societal issues, his public stance seems lacking compared to his artistic narratives.
Similarly, other artists like Olamide and Davido have faced scrutiny for their associations with political figures and their apparent reluctance to engage in social activism, leading to questions about their sincerity.
Fan Expectations vs. Artist Autonomy: The debate centers around whether fans have the right to demand activism from artists or if such expectations are unfair.
- Jim Donnette, Marketing & PR Executive: Fans have the right to expect some level of concern from artists, but artists are not obligated to meet these demands. The political inclinations of artists vary, and not all are inclined to use their platforms for activism.
- Chinonso Ihearika, Culture Journalist: Successful artists may become disconnected from the struggles of the masses, leading fans to view them as insensitive if they remain silent on sociopolitical issues. This detachment can result in frustration when fans see artists only engaging with them for commercial purposes.
- Honour Aghedo, Brand and Marketing Executive: Artists wield significant influence and with that comes responsibility. Fans project their hopes onto artists, and when these artists seem indifferent to pressing issues, it can feel like a betrayal. Additionally, artists who use sociopolitical issues as creative content should also be vocal when these issues become actionable.
- Ogaga Sakpaide, Talent Manager and Music Executive: Public figures, particularly those who portray themselves as champions of cultural causes, should be sensitive to the issues affecting their fanbase. It’s important for these figures to show concern, even if it’s not always active.
The Risks of Speaking Out: Artists who choose to engage with sociopolitical issues can face significant backlash. For instance, Davido’s support for the EndSARS protests led to governmental scrutiny and personal trouble, illustrating the potential risks involved in taking a stand. Similarly, actress Toyin Abraham faced online harassment for her support of political figures.
Conclusion: While it is reasonable for fans to expect some level of engagement from artists on social issues, it’s also important to recognize the personal and professional risks involved for these artists. The challenge lies in balancing artistic expression with social responsibility and understanding that not all artists will align with these expectations. Ultimately, if artists draw inspiration from societal issues, it’s fair to hold them accountable to the standards they set.