Notably, over the years, the music industry has consistently served as a platform for the voice of the people, and contemporary artists haven’t shied away from occasionally expressing the people’s plight through their art.
The past few weeks have been eventful as Nigeria goes through a deciding point in her history. There appears to be uncertainty as the people are tired of poor leadership, bad governance, and ineffective administration despite the country’s profound glory. We have highlighted 16 Nigerian songs you should listen to this week as INEC announces the 2023 General Elections results and declares the President-elect and new government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
- Falz – Owa ft. Tekno
From the collection of the multi-award-winning vocal poet and lawyer, Falz. we have a carefully crafted soundtrack labeled, Owa. The famous Nigerian activist, Folarin Falana aka Falz, collaborates with the Afro-pop singer and record producer, Tekno, who provided a polished performance on the new tune that dropped this year 2023.
On this track, Falz and Tekno discuss the current state of the nation in their song, Owa. We know for sure that these two artists are masters at incorporating social themes into their art. Truly an incredible partnership that will be a classic for many years. I assure you that your playlist is in dire need of this tune.
- Tekno – Freetown
Tekno‘s most recent release for the year 2023, Freetown, is generating a sensation among music listeners in the country. With its memorable melodies, contagious rhythms, and thought-provoking lyrics, the song is a testament to Tekno‘s ability to be innovative. The skilled Xtofa, who is known for his outstanding production abilities and has collaborated with many of the top performers in the Nigerian music industry, is in charge of producing Freetown”.
The music showcases Xtofa’s masterful touch throughout, as he crafts a lush and dynamic auditory environment that flawlessly harmonizes with Tekno‘s voice. Freetown is for your playlist this Elections week.
- Falz – Talk
Falz actually released the smash hit single titled “Talk”. Falz highlights pressing issues brought on by opportunistic politicians as the 2019 elections approach and cautions youth and all Nigerians to speak up for what they actually want.
As we wait for the results of the 2023 Presidential elections, the song still connects to the heart of Nigerians at home and abroad. This is yet another entry from Falz‘s collection that speaks up against injustice and prejudice in Nigeria.
- Burna Boy – Collateral Damage
Taken from Burna Boy‘s African Giant album, Collateral Damage is one of the best songs on the project as the song highlights the persistent problems of tyranny, corruption, and the general lackadaisical attitude of Africans to stand up resolutely for their rights!
The song is the ninth track of Burna Boy‘s fourth studio album, African Giant, which was released in 2019. Notably, talented Nigerian producer, Kel P, was in charge of the production. This track still influences an aura and change in the heart of many Nigerians today, you can enjoy this tune as you download the mp3 in your playlist.
- Davido – Intro
The founder and Chief executive of Davido Music Worldwide (DMW), Davido, released his second studio album titled “A Good Time” in 2019, and the first track, “Intro”, already highlights the theme of the project – which focuses on every one of us being positive, having a good time, and enjoy our blessings.
The globally-known Afro-pop musician came through with perfect melodies and chords to keep us in a good vibe that matches his intentions. You should add this track to your playlist today as we await the INEC results (fingers crossed).
- Tekno – Rara
Tekno, who is a talented singer and dancer, has been quite expressive about Nigeria`s critical problems in his music over the years. The superstar released another blockbuster song titled Rara in 2016 and it was yet a banger.
In this song, Tekno discusses his feelings and observations about how Nigeria has been going on for a while, about the suffering and the important things that need to be done but aren’t on the agenda. Seven years later, the song still fits. This is another song you shouldn’t miss in your playlist, Notably, Rara has received 52M views on YouTube so far.
7. Asa – Fire On The Mountain
Asa released the soulful music, “Fire On The Mountain” on January 1st, 2007. The song is taken from Asa (Asha) – an 11-track classic studio album that served as her debut studio album. You will find that the fifth track on the album is called Fire On The Mountain.
The foreign-based Nigerian artist, Asa, was found voting at her polling unit on Saturday, February 25th, 2023. According to her Twitter page, she may as well even be a first-time voter. Nonetheless, Asa has been well recognized globally for her efforts and influence in creating awareness of social and political issues in society. “Fire On The Mountain” sounds like the theme that allows your mind to express the worries and valid concerns you have about society today. Your playlist deserves this entry.
- Femi Kuti – Sorry Sorry
“Sorry sorry o. If my eyes no deceive me and na true be the things my ears dey hear. Politicians and soldiers make meeting”
This is one of the explicit lyrics heard over this beautiful Afrobeat rhythm, Femi Kuti insinuating that the politicians can`t be trusted and the military had been compromised. We know the Kuti Brothers have always lived down the path of their legendary father and pioneer of Afrobeat, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. This track also proves worthy of the moments as Nigerians hope and pray for new beginnings of good tidings.
- Femi Kuti – Politics Na Big Business ft. Tuface & Sound Sultan
“Politics Na Big Business Remix” was released by Femi Kuti as Nigeria prepared for the General elections in 2015, Femi Kuti warned his countrymen to be wary of crooked politicians. Jos-born musicians, 2face Idibia and Sound Sultan joined the singer/multi-instrumentalist, Femi Kuti to assist him in delivering this track that serves as a warning about the peril of unbridled trust.
The Politics Na Big Business Remix“ is particularly significant since corruption is a pressing issue in Nigeria and has found a home in the everyday culture of the common Nigerian, according to a Sheila Cjukwulozie-written feature on the song. With this Politics Na Big Business Remix”, Femi Kuti raises public consciousness in the same way that his father Fela did with his own music, and he does so in an exhilarating manner. You need to add this track to your playlist already.
- Falz – Hypocrite
We are here to provide you with another thrilling song that fits the theme – Hypocrite by Falz, also known as Folarin Falana. Falz collaborated with versatile Nigerian singer, Demmie Vee, to record and commercially succeed with the song, Hypocrite. Sess, the brilliant music producer from Nigeria, was in charge of creating this decent music, Hypocrite.
“Hypocrite” doesn`t fall far from what Falz always stands for as this song was listed on the album, “Moral Instructions”. “Hypocrite” is a tune that calls out every flaw of the average Nigerian in every aspect of society. Enjoy!
- Daddy Showkey- Fire Fire
We can also highlight Fire, Daddy Showkey’s smash hit single from way back. Who remembers Daddy Showkey? Yeah, the seasoned gala and ghetto singer from Nigeria who was popular in Ajegunle in the late 1990s, He was given the name John Asiemo at birth, but everyone in the Ghetto calls him Daddy Showkey.
Daddy Showkey really used to light up the hood with entertaining jams, some could be considered a big awareness about social illiteracy in the slums and bad governance too. This song will really light up your playlist today, and who says no to a throwback?
- Burna Boy – Soke
Burna Boy‘s new album “On A Spaceship Album”, which features the smash hit song Soke, is proof that 2015 was a good year for him. In an effort to inspire Nigerians as they battle injustice and poor government, the musician produced the smash hit Soke. This music is one for your playlist today as the African Giant has been dropping gems and classics for years.
- 2Face – For Instance
Tu Face Idibia, commonly known as 2baba, is a legendary musician and famous Nigerian singer. The mid-tempo hit song, For Instance, is one of the tracks on his incredible album, Face 2 Face EP, which has 18 great tracks. This tune may seem like a throwback but the quality is still one that keeps your playlist buzzing, and its theme is one that fits the current situation in Nigeria. Hoping and wishing, Nigerians just want an instance where they catch a break and just enjoy the fruits of their labor.
- 2Baba x Falz – Rise Up
Award-winning R&B and Dancehall singer 2baba (Formerly 2Face) released Rise Up with Falz (Bop Daddy). The song was a smash hit when it first dropped in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. 2baba has a fresh message for his fans on the song, Rise up, and he delivered smoothly. Together with Falz, who had a great influence on the song and added his own message to the audience.
- 9ice – Pete Pete ft. Asa
We reflect on this timeless song by Nigerian music legends 9ice and Asa as we await the final results of the 2023 General Elections in Nigeria. The reflective song Pete Pete is part of the tracklist of 9ice‘s second album Tradition, which was released in 2009. The current state of the economy and the actions of Nigeria‘s politicians during election season are discussed in Pete Pete”.
We hear 9ice and Asa call the Nigerian Youth out to wake up and save their country on this record, This is a classic for your playlist, you can download the mp3 and enjoy good music.
- Burna Boy – Another Story ft. M.anifest
Burna Boy discusses the difficulties Nigerians had due to the influence of the British Government on this song, among other things. “Another Story” is the ninth song from Burna Boy‘s stunning studio album, African Giant. You can download the mp3 of Burna Boy‘s fascinating song Another Story where he featured Ghanaian talented artist, M.anifest, in a verse to show off his prowess too.
