Happy Independence Nigeria! It has been 60 years away from colonial rule. The journey has been not been smooth. If we could talk about the wrongs in the country, we would not end. How about focusing on the positives and amplifying them. If each one could reach one, a great nation it would be. We can’t give up on Nigeria, it is own.
So as we mark Nigeria at 60 today, we would look at 6 classic music that demonstrated patroitism, unity and the Nigerian spirit. Take a look at them:
1. Funmi Adams-Nigeria My Beloved country
This Funmi Adams song is a classic anytime any day. It takes pride in being Nigerian. Aside the nostalgic feeling it evokes, it preaches unity in diversity. Released in 1990, the song’s appeal transcends generations thus making it one of the most patriotic songs to be ever recorded in Nigeria.
2. Veno Marioghae- Nigeria go survive
It was released about 30 years ago, under the Tabansi Records‘ label. Despite the challenges facing Nigeria at the time, the Delta State indigene reinforced her belief in the betterment of the country. This song passed a message of hope to many Nigerians giving hope in perilous times (tribal, religious and economic crisis) within the country particularly in the 80s and 90s .
3. Sonny Okosun -Lift Nigeria Up
This 9-minute long track by the late veteran Nigerian singer, Sonny Okosun is still relevant in present times. The song was a star-studded song/video, which featured the likes of King Sunny Ade, Charly Boy, Oritz Wiliki, Orlando Owoh, Charly Boy, Segun Arinze and many others. The chorus, “Nigeria yi ti gbogbo wa ni, koma gbodo baje, tori kosi bomiran ti a le lo, aajo o le da bi ile, ejeka so wo po ka fi mo sokan, gbe ke mi gbe,” when translated into English, means “Nigeria belongs to every Nigerian and we should not allow her degenerate because we have no other home aside from Nigeria.” Okosun may be no more today, but the underlying message in the song- unity, holds true.
4. Onyeka Onwenu-One Love
One love comes with a powerful message. The song promotes love and unity amongst Nigerians. Onyeka released this evergreen tune in 1986, to a nation engulfed by chaotic government transition and civil unrest. The song was a hit . The rhythm and glorious chorus by a group of kids also made the song soothing and believeable.
5. Sound Sultan- Motherland
The list would be incomplete with Sound Sultan’s motherland though a member of the new school. His 2006 classic, Mother Land, reminds Nigerians in diaspora that there is no place to be. It further buttressed that however rosy, beautiful and blessed a foreign land may appear, home is home.
6. Timi Dakolo- Great Nation
Released in 2011, off his Beautiful noise album, Timi Dakolo’s great nation has been tagged as the substitute for the national anthem. Besides singing from the depth of his heart in the wonderful song, the message he convened stirs hope and belief in the Nigerian dream.