NIGERIA: MUSIC AND YOUTH SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT
A platform has been set up to enable young people to make themselves known and to impact society through music.
A dozen musicians practice in turn. They highlight their vocal potential at Chocolate City Music Studios in Lagos. Finalists are selected from over 400 candidates who submitted songs on good governance, inclusive dialogue and political representation in Nigeria.
On February 16, Nigerians will vote to nominate their president, a race in which young people can make a difference.
“Voice 2 Rep” is a project aimed at mentoring young Nigerian musicians through a competition. It also helps to distribute their products, most of which focus on improving living conditions in Nigeria.
“We did a lot of training, they made us see a lot of things and I see a lot of difference, I see it’s important to always talk. Whatever tool you have. For me, it’s music and I feel that after leaving this place, the difference will be great because the songs I published will have a greater social impact,” says a folk musician.
Musicians sing for the election
“A lot of people talked about participation, governance, different things and there is no better time to talk about it than right now. You know, it’s been four years since our last election was held, many things may have been forgotten. It is easier to remember what is happening closer to the election period,” says singer Chioma Ogbonna.
Music has regularly played an important role in the Nigerian elections, with influential artists being called upon to support the candidates with compositions of campaign hymns in particular. Some think it’s time to change the lyrics.
“In the past, I supported one or two candidates whom I knew personally and whom I considered fit for a job,” says Jude “MI” Abaga, a Nigerian hip-hop artist. For now, I think the biggest topic of conversation is what young people need to see in terms of competence. ”
The main goal is to provide a platform for young musicians who focus on Nigeria’s social development.
— Culled from Naijanews (February 6, 2019)
