Nigeria got her independence on October 1, 1960, and it was the highlight of the country’s achievements. Today, in honour of Nigeria’s independence, we have made a list of 11 patriotic songs that pay tribute to the remarkable nation and commemorate her 63rd year of freedom.
These songs capture the true existence and nature of Nigeria as a free country, celebrating its people, culture, and potential. They serve as reminders of the pride and love that many Nigerians have for their homeland and showcase the resilience and resourcefulness of the nation.
1. Arise, O Compatriots:
The national anthem of Nigeria holds a special place in the hearts of its citizens. It is not just a song but a profound expression of unity and patriotism. Composed with deep meaning and purpose, the national anthem serves as a reminder of Nigeria’s rich heritage and the shared commitment of its people to work hand in hand for a better future.
When the stirring notes of the national anthem resound, it calls upon all Nigerians to come together, regardless of the differences in creed, tribe, and religion. It is a harmonious rallying cry, inspiring citizens to set aside any divisions and unite under the banner of their beloved nation.
The anthem’s lyrics talk about the dreams and aspirations of Nigerians, conveying the collective desire for peace, progress, and prosperity. It reminds each citizen of their role in building a Nigeria that shines brightly on the global stage, a Nigeria that harnesses the incredible potential of its people and resources.
In the face of challenges and adversities, the national anthem provides solace and strength. It serves as a timeless testament to the unwavering spirit of the Nigerian people, their resilience in the face of adversity, and their determination to forge ahead towards a brighter tomorrow.
As the national anthem is sung at various national events, gatherings, and remarkable moments, it reinforces the bonds that unite Nigerians from different backgrounds. It symbolizes the shared identity and commitment to the progress and prosperity of the great Nigerian nation.
In essence, the national anthem of Nigeria is more than just a song; it is a powerful emblem of unity, hope, and unwavering patriotism. It continues to inspire generations of Nigerians to stand together, shoulder to shoulder, as they strive for a brighter, more united, and prosperous future for their beloved country.
2. One Love:
The timeless classic Nigerian singer, OnyekaOnwenu, played a pioneering role for female pop stars in Nigeria. During the peak of her career, she recorded “One Love” with a powerful message of unity in diversity.
The song serves as a compelling call for Nigerians to rise above differences in creed, tribe, and religion and work together to construct a nation where all individuals can pursue their dreams and aspirations in an atmosphere of peace and unity.
Onyeka Onwenu’s “One Love” remains a timeless anthem, advocating for a harmonious and inclusive Nigeria.
3. Green Land:
This is a beautiful ballad by Nigerian singer, TY Bello. The song praises Nigeria’s natural beauty and its people’s resilience.
The classic record received numerous accolades at the Nigerian Music Video Awards, recognizing its brilliance and its ability to evoke deep emotions in its listeners.
Even nearly two decades after its release, “Green Land” continues to hold relevance as it serves as a poignant reminder to Nigerians of the abundant beauty that exists within their country.
4. Great Nation:
Timi Dakolo, an award-winning singer known for his powerful vocals, passionately delivered the inspiring single “Great Nation” which serves as a heartfelt call to action, urging Nigerians to unite and work towards making their homeland truly great.
“Great Nation” has become a beloved anthem for national events and occasions, resonating deeply with people’s patriotism and their aspirations for a brighter and more promising future.
Through his music, Timi Dakolo stirs a sense of hope and determination, reminding Nigerians of their collective strength and the potential for a better tomorrow.
5. Motherland:
“Motherland” is a heartfelt tribute to Nigeria by the late Nigerian singer, Sound Sultan. Through this song, he tenderly reminded Nigerians that there’s truly no place like home.
As migration and the diaspora grow, “Mother Land” continues to evoke powerful emotions, especially among Nigerians living abroad. It serves as a heartfelt reminder that, no matter where they may be in the world, Nigeria will always hold a special place in their hearts, and it will forever be their home.
6. Which Way Nigeria:
The legendary musician, Sunny Okosun, expressed his deep love and patriotism for his homeland through the moving record “Which Way Nigeria“.
In this powerful song, he raised important questions about the determination and dedication of Nigerians to steer their country towards progress.
“Which Way Nigeria” is a stirring call to action that urges Nigerians to come together and work towards the shared goal of building a better future for their country. It is a reminder for them to go beyond tribal and religious sentiments.
This song is a timeless anthem for unity and progress in Nigeria.
7. Nigeria Go Survive:
This is a song of hope and optimism by Nigerian singer, Veno Marioghae. The song expresses faith in Nigeria’s ability to overcome its challenges and emerge stronger.
“Nigeria Go Survive” firmly asserts that regardless of whatever obstacles may come her way, Nigeria will always stand united. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of the Nigerian people and their determination to overcome adversity while maintaining their unity.
This song became a viral hit back in the 80s, and even 38 years later, it continues to be a song that perfectly encapsulates the unwavering resilience of Nigerians. The record celebrates the admirable qualities of Nigerians, highlighting their ability to rise above challenges and difficulties.
8. Waving Flag Remix:
Leading up to the historic FIFA World Cup, which was hosted in South Africa in 2010, there was a significant collaboration between Banky W and M.IAbaga. They joined forces to create a Nigerian remix of K’naan’s ‘Waving Flag.’
This special rendition of the song became an anthem for Nigeria during the World Cup and continues to hold a special place as a national celebratory song.
This remix not only symbolized the unity and pride of Nigerians in their representation at the World Cup but also captured the joy and excitement of the event.
“Waving Flag Remix” remains a cherished musical piece in the hearts of many Nigerians as a reminder of that remarkable time in the country’s sporting history.
9. Lift Up Nigeria:
The renowned Juju music maestro, King Sunny Ade, made a significant contribution by dedicating an entire album to celebrate the FESTAC 77′ festival during the remarkable event.
The album is a masterpiece crafted to capture Nigeria’s standing on the global stage and to inspire Nigerians to take pride in their country and its achievements.
This is indeed a patriotic song by the Nigerian singer, Funmi Adams, who celebrates Nigeria’s vibrant history and potential.
The song carries a powerful message, urging Nigerians to unite and put in the collective effort to construct a brighter and more prosperous future for their beloved country.
Funmi Adams’ song serves as a source of inspiration and a call to action for all Nigerians to contribute to the nation’s growth and development.
11. Let’s Live Together:
“Let’s Live Together” has enjoyed enduring popularity on Nigerian radio and television.
The single, which promotes togetherness and unity, continues to be relevant, particularly in the face of growing national challenges and increasing distrust.
Its message of unity serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of Nigerians coming together to overcome hardships and build a stronger nation.
These songs are a few of the many songs that have been written about Nigeria.
Music has always played an important role in Nigeria, as it has been used to express the country’s hopes, dreams, and struggles.
Flavour, a prominent Nigerian musician, continues to captivate audiences across Africa with his distinctive sound after nearly two decades in the industry. On August 24, 2024, Flavour achieved a significant milestone by selling out the OVO Wembley Arena in London. He delivered an electrifying performance that showed his extensive musical repertoire.
The concert featured tracks from Flavour’s eighth studio album, “African Royalty,” released in December 2023. Fans were treated to live renditions of hit singles such as “Game Changer” and “Levels.” These tracks have been dominating the airwaves since their release. The event also saw guest appearances from fellow Nigerian music stars Phyno, Falz, and Iyanya.
Notable personalities in attendance included socialite and businessman Cubana Chief Priest, Asa Asika (co-founder of The Plug and Davido’s manager), singer Chike, and international footballer Alex Iwobi. Their presence underscored the wide-reaching appeal of Flavour’s music across various sectors of Nigerian society.
This sold-out London concert further cements Flavour’s status as one of Africa’s most iconic artists.
Throughout his career, spanning nearly two decades, he has garnered numerous awards and accolades for his unique musical style. This skillfully blends African cultural elements, particularly his Igbo indigenous music.
With this successful show at the OVO Wembley Arena, Flavour joins the ranks of other Nigerian stars like Adekunle Gold and Kizz Daniel. These artists have also sold out the prestigious venue in 2024. This achievement not only highlights Flavour’s individual success but also underscores the growing international appeal of Nigerian music as a whole.
Flavour’s continued success and his advocacy for a more inclusive representation of African music on the global stage demonstrate his commitment to both his artistry and the broader African music industry. As he moves forward in his career, Flavour remains an influential figure in shaping the narrative of African music worldwide.
“The Interrogation of Lotanna,” a compelling Nigerian short film, has achieved international recognition. The movie won the Best Nollywood Short Film award at the prestigious Realtime International Film Festival in Birmingham, UK.
This thought-provoking piece is the brainchild of director and writer Reginald Jumbo. He is affectionately known as Grandmaster Prime. The collaborative efforts of producers Ibukun Serah Adetoyinbo and Ore Oba brought the production to life.
The film’s success highlights the growing global influence of Nigerian cinema. It tells the gripping tale of Captain Ardo, a military commander tasked with suppressing a rebellion in eastern Nigeria. Ardo’s primary objective is to locate and apprehend Zuru Nkwu, the elusive leader of the insurgency. After months of fruitless searching, a promising lead directs Ardo to a suspect named Lotanna. Despite enduring intense interrogation and torture, Lotanna steadfastly maintains his innocence, creating a tense and morally complex narrative.
A talented ensemble brings this story of “The Interrogation of Lotanna” to life.
It features performances by William Chinoyenem, Cassey Oritsejolomi, Anthony Nwahiri,Francis Sule, Michael Embraiz, and Mr. Rala. Their portrayals add depth and authenticity to the film’s exploration of conflict, loyalty, and the human spirit under duress.
The Realtime International Film Festival has been a pivotal platform for independent filmmakers since its inception in 2016 by Stanley Ohikhuare. This is where “The Interrogation of Lotanna” triumphed.
Over the years, it has played an important role in nurturing talent and fostering a creative economy. The festival’s impact is evident in the successful careers it has launched. Moreover, over 150 young filmmakers see their work featured on major streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon.
Additionally, this year’s festival showcased several other notable Nigerian productions alongside “The Interrogation of Lotanna.” What’s more, these included “Garden of Healing” produced by Ozor Uche, “Kaka” by Prince Daniel, and “Arinye” by Seun Afolabi.
In conclusion, the strong presence of Nigerian films at the festival underscores the country’s growing influence in the global film industry. Indeed, it highlights the wealth of talent emerging from Nollywood.
Nike Okundaye, the Director of Nike Art Gallery recently made a statement about challenges in the art industry. According to her, the biggest challenge artists face is related to their vision. She emphasized the importance of eyesight in the art world.
Okundaye pointed out that artists heavily rely on their ability to see. She stated that artists would struggle to create their work without their eyes.
“Our biggest challenge in the art industry is our sight. Without our eyes, we can’t do anything” Nike Okundaye, Director of Nike Art Gallery said.
Her comment shows how crucial visual perception is for most forms of artistic creation.
The problem:
More than 70 million Nigerians have uncorrected blurry vision. In other words, about one in three Nigerians just need a simple pair of eyeglasses to see clearly. Most of those who need eyeglasses and do not have them are in low-income communities.
Clear sight has a profound effect on many aspects of our lives, including our ability to work, read, and create. Blurry vision is an easily solvable problem that can outsize an individual’s earning capacity and quality of life.
VisionSpring is a part of the solution:
As a social enterprise, VisionSpring has been helping Nigeria’s low-income communities get eyeglasses since 2016. In six years, we have corrected the vision of more than 350,000 Nigerians through eyeglasses. We are especially committed to Nigeria’s artisans and low-income workers who use their hands for detailed tasks.
In April, VisionSpring published findings from THRIVE, a randomised controlled trial conducted with Queen’s University Belfast and BRAC. The study carried out in rural Bangladesh, found that participants who received reading glasses experienced a 33.4% boost in median monthly income compared to the control group.
VisionSpring and Nike Art Gallery have come together to celebrate the intersection of art and vision. Hosted in the heart of Lagos, this event raises awareness of how a clear vision drives creativity, innovation, and prosperity in Nigeria.
Many artists in Nike’s network are experiencing age-related vision loss, affecting their capability to create and make a living. This unique art exhibition, highlighting some of the most talented artists in Nike’s network, demonstrates just how important vision correction is in preserving cultural heritage.
Guests will have the opportunity to interact with Nike and other artists and learn about VisionSpring’s mission to increase lifelong earning, learning, safety, and well-being through eyeglasses.