2023 Elections: Why Politics and Entertainment can’t mix well
The recent conduct of Nigerian musicians in trying to be politically active leaves a lot to be desired and makes many wonder why musicians make terrible politicians.
Even without the senseless and avoidable cash crisis that Nigeria is currently going through, the atmosphere before general elections in any country is bound to be tense and Nigeria is no different.
Elections in the country are less than a fortnight away and people have their minds made up on their choice of candidates.
There are those who support the presidential candidate of the ruling party, Bola Tinubu, believing that he is detachable from the disastrous tenure his party is overseeing while a significant number of Nigerians believe that the time is ripe for a change of guard.
Among these Nigerians are prominent musicians and entertainers who have also been hit by the maladministration of those at the helm of affairs. Because of their following and influence, their voices have been the loudest.
And in recent times, Seun Kuti, Peter Okoye and Brymo Olawale, among others, have been at one another’s throats.
Brymo had gone on an ethnic tirade against the Igbos while Seun Kuti threw a jab at Peter Obi by calling him an opportunist and an “internet president” who can’t save Nigeria from its troubles.
His legion of supporters which includes one half of the popular duo P-Square, Peter Okoye, would not have it and came at Fela Kuti’s last born with full force.
Peter ridiculed him by saying he’s nothing without his last name.
A number of popular voices such as Basketmouth, David Hundeyin, Daniel Regha and Portable weighed in on the quarrel.
But the issues that Peter and Seun’s spat throws up is why music stars put on a terrible show when it comes to politics and fans can’t seem to be able to respect their favourites’ choices when there is a departure.
For all the brilliance that Nigerian singers display in the studio and in their discography, painfully, it doesn’t translate to political wit. Brymo, popular for his metaphysical conceits and lyrical depth, recently made undesirable statements that made many recall their respect for him.
The Okoye and Kuti social media war over political candidates which they dragged their families into wasn’t a lovely sight either.
And Portable, does anyone take him serious on political matters? He has campaigned for the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Accord Party. A true non-partisan, some people called him but it just shows that his support goes to the highest bidder.
Music fans even make it harder, especially in the current election season, where anybody who is not supporting Peter Obi is a traitor and is subsequently bullied, sometimes to the point of quitting social media.
That people are stars doesn’t mean that they should forfeit their right of association, even if it is not a popular choice and doesn’t resonate with their followers.
Another factor that makes politics and entertainment seem like parallel lines is the delusion that musical influence can easily translate into political influence.
Streaming is not voting. Streaming can be done with a tap on the phone, anywhere in the world. Voting is a lot more tedious, from voter’s card registration to the collection and queuing for long hours on election day.
This is particularly telling when you consider that no Nigerian musician is a political officeholder. Banky W came close to winning an election in 2019 and may even break the jinx this season but as of now, he hasn’t.
Interestingly, Nollywood practitioners - Desmond Elliot easily comes to mind - have found better luck at the polls and this would suggest that the film industry impresses people on substance more than the music industry where profanity passes as hit songs.
The show of shame put on by Nigerian musicians in trying to be politically active proves a point that politics and music will continue to be parallel lines. Musicians will have to be better in their conduct.