For many years, singers and musicians in Nigeria have made songs about their country. These songs protest against how badly people live in Nigeria and what the government is doing. Many of these artists use their songs to tell the government when they think it’s not doing a good job. They sing about what they want the government to do better.
There are lots of songs that protest against the problems in Nigeria. These problems have been happening for a long time. Some songs talk about problems from years ago, while others talk about current issues.
We have chosen 10 special songs from all these songs about Nigeria’s problems. These 10 songs are very powerful. When people listen to them, they might feel like they want to change things in Nigeria to make life better.
These songs are called “timeless” because even though some of them are old, they still matter today. They can make people think about how to improve their country, no matter when the songs were made.
Here are 10 Nigerian protest songs that should be on your protest playlist.
1. Fela Anikulapo Kuti – International Thief Thief (ITT)
Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the Afrobeat pioneer, is well-known for his outspoken criticism of the military governments that ruled Nigeria with a heavy hand. He has several songs that address government corruption and speak to the conscience of Nigerians.
One of his most impactful songs, “ITT”, is a direct indictment of the corrupt practices within the Nigerian government. This song inspires anger and sustains the current efforts to change the system for the better.
2. Majek Fashek – Police Brutality
The famous artist, Majek Fashek, recorded “Police Brutality” in 1988 to highlight the violence that Nigerian security forces inflicted on the people.
Even decades later, police brutality remains a serious issue, as seen in the #EndSARS movement, which is perhaps Nigeria’s largest civilian mass protest.
This song still resonates today as it draws attention to the ongoing struggles faced by Nigerian youths and the broader population.
3. Lagbaja – Suruu Lere
Lagbaja, a legend in Afrobeats, created the classic song “Suruu Lere”, which captures the many challenges that have prevented Nigerians from fully enjoying the benefits of democracy.
The song serves as a reminder that even after 63 years of independence, Nigeria is still grappling with issues like corruption, tribalism, and poverty.
“Suruu Lere” is a call to action, urging Nigerians to demand better from the corrupt leaders who have put the country in its current state.
4. Eedris Abdulkareem – Jaga Jaga
When Eedris Abdulkareem released “Jaga Jaga”, it struck a chord with Nigerians and quickly became a hit. The song was so influential that it was banned on radio and even drew criticism from then-President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Despite being released 18 years ago, “Jaga Jaga” still reflects the state of Nigeria today, with increasing poverty and a continued decline in living standards. The lack of progress since 2004 should inspire listeners to demand meaningful change.
5. 2Baba – 4 Instance
2Baba, a prominent Nigerian musician, released “4 Instance in 2006 to criticize the high level of corruption and poor governance in the country.
The song is a reminder that, despite the passage of time, little has changed. Politicians still treat the public purse as their private property, and this song encourages people to reflect on the ongoing issues in Nigeria.
6. Asa – Jailer
Asa’s song Jailer is a powerful reminder of the metaphorical jail that Nigeria has become, where citizens are trapped in psychological, economic, social, and religious constraints.
This song urges listeners to free themselves from the ideological, economic, and religious chains imposed by the political elite. “Jailer” is a call for self-liberation and resistance against oppression.
7. African China – Mr. President
“Mr. President” by African China remains as relevant today as it was when it was released in 2006. The song serves as a reminder to Nigeria’s political leaders to govern justly and ensure that justice, fairness, and equity prevail, regardless of status, religion, or creed.
Sixteen years later, “Mr. President” still reflects the unfulfilled hopes of Nigerians and the persistent issues that have not been addressed.
8. Wande Coal – Shey Na Like This?
Wande Coal’s song “Shey Na Like This?” succinctly captures the dire state of Nigeria and the daily hardships Nigerians face due to poor governance.
The song is a reminder that positive change will not come by merely hoping for it; instead, people must rise up and demand it. This song encourages listeners to take action and not remain passive in the face of adversity.
9. Sound Sultan featuring MI Abaga – “2010”
“2010” by Sound Sultan, featuring MI Abaga, was released in anticipation of a year that was hyped as a turning point for Nigeria when citizens were promised basic amenities and good governance. However, 2010 came and went with little change.
“2010” reflects the disappointment of Nigerians who were sold a vision of a functional society that never materialized.
10. Burna Boy featuring M.anifest – Another Story
“Another Story” by Burna Boy, featuring M.anifest, expresses the frustration of Nigerians who have grown tired of hearing the same empty promises from politicians every election cycle.
Since Nigeria’s independence in 1960, leaders have repeatedly pledged to transform the country into a paradise, yet the reality has remained far from those promises.
If you are fed up with the status quo, and you’re inspired to demand real change from the government, these protest songs are for you.
Afrobeats is poised to reach unprecedented heights in 2025 as Nigerian music continues its remarkable global ascent.
The genre’s explosive growth over the past five years has transformed the international music landscape, with Nigerian artists pioneering innovative sounds and breakthrough collaborations across continents.
Industry experts predict that 2025 will mark Afrobeats’ most significant year yet. This is because Nigerian superstars leverage their growing influence to push creative boundaries and forge new paths in the global music scene.
The commercial success of Nigerian music has created a ripple effect. Consequently, this inspires a new generation of artists and producers who are eager to contribute to Afrobeats’ evolution in 2025.
The momentum behind Nigerian music shows no signs of slowing, with record-breaking streaming numbers, sold-out international venues, and prestigious award recognition becoming increasingly common.
As Afrobeats prepares to dominate charts and festivals throughout 2025, fans can anticipate a year filled with groundbreaking releases.
Also, high-profile collaborations and possibly some dramatic industry dynamics are not exempted.
This artistic renaissance spans multiple fronts – from innovative musical fusions to ambitious visual productions – suggesting an exciting period ahead for Nigerian music enthusiasts.
The year promises to deliver everything from chart-topping singles to headline-grabbing rivalries. Furthermore, this would set the stage for what could be a defining chapter in Nigeria’s musical journey.
5 things to expect in Afrobeats in 2025
1. Grammy Glory
A Nigerian artist is preparing to secure the Best African Music Performance award at the Grammy Awards on February 3, 2025. Fans eagerly anticipate Nigerian artists dominating multiple categories and celebrating significant victories.
2. Hit Song Domination
Afrobeats’ global ascent has been fuelled by a string of hit songs. They have played a crucial role in breaking down barriers and captivating international audiences.
Following a relatively subdued 2024 with a limited number of crossover hits, Nigerian stars will undoubtedly strive to deliver a wave of chart-topping singles in 2025.
Fans can also anticipate exciting collaborations as Nigerian artists continue their tradition of combining their talents to create groundbreaking music.
3. Album Releases Galore
2025 promises to be an exciting year for fans, with several highly anticipated album releases on the horizon.
The likelihood of multiple hit records increases significantly with the imminent releases from prominent artists. Predicting, these artists could be Davido,Burna Boy, Omah Lay, Kizz Daniel,Tiwa Savage, OdumoduBlvck, Ruger, and Adekunle Gold.
4. The Rise of New Stars
Each year, a new crop of talented artists emerges, transitioning from obscurity to stardom. 2025 is expected to introduce a fresh wave of breakout acts. These acts will play a defining role in shaping the future of Nigerian music.
5. The Inevitable Celebrity Feud
Although undesirable, celebrity disputes are not uncommon within the Nigerian music industry. New rivalries will explode in Nigerian music in 2025. Old enemies will reignite their past conflicts.
Music fans should expect dramatic clashes between celebrities throughout the year. These industry battles will keep social media buzzing.
Rising Afro-RnB sensation Qing Madi launches into 2025 with a mesmerising performance on the prestigious COLOURS platform, showcasing her latest single, “Favourite Psycho,”against their signature minimalist backdrop.
The artist commands the space with a magnetic presence, her voice running through each sound with masterful control and emotional authenticity.
The song mixes Afrobeats drums with modern R&B sounds. Strong drum patterns keep a steady beat in the background. Smooth keyboard sounds and rich chords play softly under Qing Madi’s singing.
The music stays subtle and doesn’t overpower her voice, letting her take centre stage.
As she performs, Qing Madi navigates the complex emotional landscape of her lyrics with remarkable nuance. Her vocal delivery shifts seamlessly between powerful belting and intimate whispers, reflecting the song’s exploration of love’s contradictions.
The narrative unfolds through vivid metaphors and raw confessions, painting a picture of a relationship caught between passion and pain, trust and suspicion.
The chorus showcases her exceptional range, with layered harmonies adding depth to the hook’s memorable melody. Each verse delves deeper into the story, building emotional tension through carefully crafted lyrical progression.
The bridge section provides a particularly poignant moment, stripping back the instrumentation to highlight the vulnerability in her voice.
Throughout the performance, Qing Madi demonstrates why she’s emerging as a defining voice in the contemporary Afro-RnB scene.
Her ability to blend cultural influences while maintaining authentic emotional expression sets her apart.
The COLORS performance serves as a powerful statement of artistic identity, introducing her unique sound to a global audience while staying true to her musical roots.
The result is a spellbinding display of talent that leaves viewers eagerly anticipating her next moves in the industry.
YBNL Music founder Olamide has approved the early contract termination of artist Asake, videowheelztv reports.
The contract dissolution grants Asake ownership of his master recordings from his tenure with the label. Both parties have established a 10-year royalty-sharing arrangement to continue the financial terms of their original agreement.
The separation took place in recent months, following Asake’s release of his album “Lungu Boy.”
Speaking on the separation, Olamide reportedly said:
I didn’t create YBNL because I wanted to make money. I created it because I wanted to see other young people grow, so if any artist under me wants to leave, they are free.
He added more specifically that,
Asake has done his part, and I’m proud of him.
Reports earlier this week revealed that Asake removed all YBNL-related content from his social media profiles and unfollowed his connections, including Olamide.
Sources indicate that Olamide extended a new contract offer to Asake following the expiration of his initial YBNL agreement.
Despite Olamide’s attempts to secure Asake’s continued partnership, the artist declined the offer, choosing to separate from the mentor who significantly contributed to his international success.
An insider disclosed that the situation reached its conclusion two weeks ago when Asake definitively ended negotiations, expressing his intention to operate independently.
The development marks a significant shift in their professional relationship, which began in 2022 when Asake first signed with YBNL.
During his tenure with the label, Asake achieved remarkable success, releasing multiple hit singles and notably selling out London’s O2 Arena on two occasions.
