*Kilode?
Sincerely,
A concerned Nigerian.
To begin with, since I can remember I have loved my country and believe it would take a lot more than terrorism, austerity and malaise to change this truth.
You see, as a young child while waiting for RSTV to start the day's transmission in the early 90’s, I read story books which in a way preserved Nigerian people and culture and on occasion, my grandmother's retold stories of the great hunter, farmer and the industrious trader.
Then there was the ultimate treat ‘tales by moonlight!’ the lessons from this television program was that ‘good conquers evil’.
From past history of the Bini’s, Calabar’s and heroines of the North to name a few, I have learned that no matter how difficult things become, Nigerians will find a way to survive.
I noticed early signs of things to come in my senior year of secondary school when I tried to register for Nigerian History and was told the subject had been scrapped.
Question:
How can you plan a future when you have no lessons with experience from the past?
In the developed economies we are trying so hard to emulate, before any decision is made, they do something called an impact assessment.
It is not magic.
They explore the possible impacts both negative and positive of any policy they intend to enact and make plans for mitigation or resolution of the potential conflicts BEFORE decisions are carried out.
They are a government of the people, for the people and by the people.
If we copy their, culture, their cuisine and political hierarchy, why then have we refused to copy their strategy? Is it because it could be a good thing?
It is not magic.
They explore the possible impacts both negative and positive of any policy they intend to enact and make plans for mitigation or resolution of the potential conflicts BEFORE decisions are carried out.
They are a government of the people, for the people and by the people.
If we copy their, culture, their cuisine and political hierarchy, why then have we refused to copy their strategy? Is it because it could be a good thing?
Looking at fuel scarcity, the restriction of cash withdrawals abroad, oh and let's not forget the epileptic supply of power in the country. Do these issues characterize a government that thinks before it acts?
Once upon a time, we had national parks, game reserves and family picnics. The Nigerian industries manufactured products that could compete with international standards.
Before get rich schemes like dirty politics, twerking and oil monopoly became popular, our economy survived on agriculture, industry and surprise - surprise; innovation!
Do you remember?
Oh my bad. You probably don’t because the sources of Nigerian history these days are badly written Nollywood scripts!
I decided to further my education in hopes of contributing towards the survival of the Nigerian economy but as a result of restricted access to my humble savings back in the fatherland thanks to the government of change which has not put measures in place to protect their "beloved citizens" in diaspora , I considered giving up and returning home to join the unemployed disgruntled masses.
However last night while plotting what would be the concluding course of the journey I came across a song.
It gave me hope and reminded me that Nigerian’s are fighters.
However last night while plotting what would be the concluding course of the journey I came across a song.
It gave me hope and reminded me that Nigerian’s are fighters.
I am now back to believing!
I know my roots and I am proud of where I come from.
Although we are faced with the problem of terrorism, austerity and malaise Nigerians are resilient, I would survive.
Although we are faced with the problem of terrorism, austerity and malaise Nigerians are resilient, I would survive.
The songs below would either make you want to leave the one you are with and start a new relationship with erm, I don’t know or take you to a time when Nigerians were people that asked ‘what can I do for my country’ rather than ‘what can my country do for me’ listen, enjoy, share, celebrate!
8. Super God – Gbemi Jorge
Beginning this countdown is the uplifting song ‘Super God’. The lyrics of the song are like a prayer from the heart straight to God’s ear. I can’t write exactly how liberating this song is. The best way to understand is to listen by hitting the download link Super God-Gbemi Jorge
7. Ogene – Zoro ft. Flavor
Warning this song would cause you to move, dance… gyrate! I honestly don’t know what he is saying and do hope someone is kind enough to interpret but the way the words blend with the instrumentals is really something beautiful. Hit the link to listen Ogene-Zoro ft Flavor
6. Open and Close – Simi
5. Get it Together – Tiwa Savage, Paul PSquare
Done in collaboration with the Nigerian Urban Reproductive Health Initiative (NURHI). This track in essence extols the virtues of proper planning before action especially in the case of sexual activity and parenthood, a procedure I am afraid is lost on the decision makers in our country.
4. Love Nwantiti – Da Roc
Closely following the advice of planned parenthood by Tiwa and Paul is this song by Da Roc singing out his heart for the sake of love. Love Nwantinti - Da Roc
3. Love don’t care – Simi
There is something about this artist's voice that keeps me coming back for more. I thought it was a one time thing when I could not get enough of 'Jamb Question' I guess I was wrong. In ‘Love don’t care’ she basically reiterates the known fact that when it comes to matters of the heart, logic and reasoning have no place; “the heart wants what the heart wants”.
2. All I want is you – Banky W. & Chidinma
1. Mama Oyoyo – Yemi Alade, Olamide, Tyrion Lannister Iyanya, Tekno, Selebobo.
This track combines the talent of various artists and once more celebrates strength in diversity, although this song carries on for a bit and gets a bit tiring towards the end it is my number 1 in this countdown not because of the engaging instrumentals or the rich cultural flavor but simply because it is in honor of mother's and well, my mum rocks!
This track combines the talent of various artists and once more celebrates strength in diversity, although this song carries on for a bit and gets a bit tiring towards the end it is my number 1 in this countdown not because of the engaging instrumentals or the rich cultural flavor but simply because it is in honor of mother's and well, my mum rocks!
* Kilode is a Yoruba for ‘what is it'/'what is the matter?’
I enjoyed your write up and the song list at the end is very apt and inspiring , I share in your resilience and it will get better! However the thing is - the forex policies are hard on the diaspora but it's not a product of the present government - it was ill conceived no doubt but it's necessary to save our foreign reserves - as necessary as deleting 6 of these lovely songs from my playlist so as to save my mobile device's memory and make it function better (:
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