While lots of pundits criticise Nigerian music for its lack of content, nobody can argue against the fact that Nigerian music has taken over the African continent. We even had protests in Kenya calling
for a ban on Nigerian music, from their radio stations and clubs so as
to give their indigenous artistes the chance to showcase their stuff.
So why is Nigerian music popular on the African continent and even making waves internationally even with its ‘apparent’ lack of content? Well
there is no one single reason but a combination of reasons which are
outlined below.
1. It’s A Numbers Game
Lets
face it, it’s not actually a level playing field. Nigeria is the most
populous nation in Africa with close to 200 million citizens. Some
states in Nigeria are more populous than some African countries. So of
course Nigerians produce more music content on the continent than their
neighbours.
This does not mean Nigerian music
is the best, in my opinion about 70% of them is crap. But the few good
ones they produce, simply outnumbers the ones produced by other African
countries, it’s just simple maths.
2. Their Diverse Cultures
Nigeria
is a mix mash of over 500 tribes. Each with their unique cultures and
style of music. This provides a vast resource of samples and styles for
our artistes and contributes to the richness of our music.
A
close listen to some of their songs will reveal different elements not
only from the different ethnic groups they have, but also from Africa
and the world at large.
3. They are innovative
Nigerians
have very little faith in their government. Quite frankly they never
expect anything from them. You want something done, you get it done
yourself.
Back in the 90’s when Nigerian music
was hardly ever played by any local station, because of its lack of
quality, rather than take to the streets carrying placards like some of
our African brothers, they accepted responsibility.
They
started by cloning foreign music (mainly American), and from there
blended it with their local style, forming a fusion of Western and
African and called it Afropop. Ghanaians also developed their brand of
music which they called Hiplife.
Gradually
Afropop grew in quality and replaced foreign music in clubs, parties and
radio stations, to the point that over 90% of songs played in Nigeria
right now is produced in Nigeria.
They did not blame others for their inadequacies, they simply forged a way forward.
4. They Are Richer
Pound for pound Nigerians are the richest people in Africa. They have more money to invest compared to other African countries.
This can easily be seen in the quality of the music videos they produce. MTV Africa
announced that Nigerian music artistes produce the best music videos in
Africa. The global growth of their music industry anchors on this.
5. Sheer Charisma And Bravado
Of
course there’s no denying the Nigerian swag which naturally transcends
into everything they do. Ladies naturally love swag (which is why
African ladies love Nigerian men and why their men hate them) and as we
all know, it’s women that determine music trends. Besides nothing makes
music more believable than confidence.
6. They Are More Exposed
Nigerians
are more exposed than their African neighbours. Yes I know other
countries would argue, but it’s the simple truth. Nigerians are
naturally curious, adventurous and more industrious. They travel more in
search of greener pastures and bring back foreign cultures with them.
In
the late ’60s, Fela the Nigerian musical genius journeyed to Ghana to
find a new melodic direction. It was there that he first called his
music Afrobeat.
7. Population Of Nigerians In Other Countries
Nigerians
of course are avid travelers. There is no African country that there is
not a strong Nigerian community, some in their millions. And as they
travel they bring along their music and import the latest ones from
home.
For this reason their movies and music
are readily available in almost all African countries while the reverse
is the case for the other countries. Which is a pity when you consider
the large market Nigeria has. Any musician that is a hit there, always
smiles to the bank.
Hate them or not,
Nigerians are the best at what they put their mind to do and not just in
Africa. Unfortunately, this applies to both the good and the bad. Their
booming music and movies industries though, happens to falls into the
good category
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