Words by Peter Adedotun Dennis
Facts (even ones with proof on the first page of a Google search) can now be debunked or rearranged to fit personal narratives, they are called alternative facts. Immediately you type ‘alt’ into your Google search bar the suggestions immediately assumes you want a dose of these alternative facts. Before alternative facts recently became a thing globally, we’ve been living on a lot of those in Nigeria, word to Lai Mohammed. Corruption has drastically reduced even to the point of nonexistence and security is becoming less of an issue especially in the northern areas of the country, I’m not revealing any of my sources and please don’t ask me for stats. The change is in full effect even, we obviously don’t even need MMM anymore. We’ll discuss my vast knowledge on political matters another day, today let me give you five irrefutable alternative facts on Nigerian contemporary music.
#The Headies Have Always Gotten It Right
Would you pick having a little cash over having a bank? Thought so. Very simple logic at the Headies that held early last year, who would rate a little cash over not one but multiple banks? Back to back hits be damned abeg. Somehow Adekunle Gold’s ‘Pick Up’ is an alternative song, you can’t be arguing with constituted authority. Falz is yet to make an album that is lyrically and sonically as good as Illbliss’ Powerful masterpiece, only time they’ve got rap album of the year correct. Also, the secondary school prize giving day setting of the MAMA’s pale in comparison to the spectacle of the Headies, no wonder the artists aren’t boycott this nothing short of amazing experience.
#Falz is clearly afraid of Vic O
During the wave of ‘Panda’ covers, Vic O’s cover was a standout selection. Not only did put his lyrically skills on wax, he also caught a body – Falz’. In the most one-sided naija rap beefs, Falz was clearly afraid that his career might further tank if he replied Vic O.
It’s not like his last album Stories That Touch had enough contact with Nigerians to impact music charts, garner several award or even receive favourable reviews from critics, as far as Falz was concerned the little exposure he received from the father of rap would help build buzz around his career. Don’t be deceived, silence isn’t really the best answer for a fool, only cowards believe that.
#Songwriters are obviously not needed
Remember when Wizkid wanted a girl’s body in his bed, then proceeded to hail prominent Nigerian political figures on the same song, genius right?! The song even became a massive hit, an attestation to the fact that both artists and listeners recognized great songwriting. By the way who’s the lady that calls Wizkid “funkmaster flexin’”, we need to thank her for ‘Daddy Yo’ obviously. Did you get Davido’s first verse on ‘Coolest kid in Africa’? Really awesome I tell you, not like Nasty C had to save the song in any way. They say lightening doesn’t strike twice. Ha! Whoever said that hasn’t listened to Tekno or Yemi Alade songs/lyrics. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over right? Well, name one genius that ain’t insane.
#Stage performances are amazing experiences
Asa’s long awaited homecoming concert last year was, errrrr, just there. One thing was obviously missing – frenzy. Throughout the whole thing, I was just waiting for Asa to bring out Davido or Terry G or Tekno to bring some very needed mosh to the place. Who needs a live experience that gives you a different dimension to the songs when you can get your favourite artist jump around the stage in sagging pants? Meanwhile he points the mic at you to sing the song for him, so ironically you’re the one performing. Such a thrill, amazing!
#Ice Prince and Illbliss’ consistency is goals
These two are clearly at the top of their game, consistently turning out amazing albums that push the boundaries of Naija Hip-Hop. You know what would add some gloss to their already stellar discography? A JOINT PROJECT. That would send Hip-Hop heads spining! Get Selebobo to produce all the tracks and give us more intricately crafted umbum rap, Amen.
Peter Adedotun Dennis is civil engineer. Follow him on Twitter @ayo_dennis