African China: Still Singing Truth to Power Amidst Shifting Tides
For over two decades, African China has carved a niche for himself in the Nigerian music scene, not with fleeting trends or catchy party anthems, but with a consistent flow of socially conscious music. His tracks, often raw and unflinching in their honesty, have resonated with generations, earning him a reputation as a musical activist.
The Genesis of a Socially Conscious Artist
When asked about his early days, African China reminisces about a time when the industry felt less competitive and more about collective growth. He cherishes the period when his aspirations began to materialize. His approach to songwriting, he explains, isn't a deliberate choice of topics but rather an organic, almost spiritual, process. "I don’t choose topics to address," he shares, "They come naturally or I would say they come spiritually, because I strongly believe that music is spiritual."
His unwavering commitment to speaking truth to power stems from a deep-seated desire for a better Nigeria. Witnessing his father's struggles to provide a good life for their family instilled in him a belief that a functional nation could alleviate such hardships. This personal experience became the bedrock of his artistic mission.
"Mr. President" and a Nation's Unchanging Song
Among his most iconic works, 'Mr. President' became an anthem, a powerful plea that echoed the frustrations of many. Reflecting on its creation, African China recalls a mind brimming with thoughts as a young man, a complexity he finds hard to fully articulate even now.
A quarter-century later, the poignant question arises: has the Nigeria he sang about improved? His answer is stark and unequivocal: "I feel like things have changed for the worse." This sentiment underscores a profound disillusionment with the progress – or lack thereof – since his early compositions.
His upbringing, he states, played a crucial role in shaping his social and political consciousness. The desire to uphold his family's reputation served as a guiding principle, keeping him focused on positive contributions.
The Fading Echoes of Message Music
A critical point of discussion revolves around the current state of message-driven music in Nigeria. African China is blunt in his assessment: "No, they are not. They don’t even do up to two per cent of what they ought to do." He believes most contemporary musicians are self-serving, primarily using their platforms for self-promotion rather than advocating for change. He points to social media influencers as making more significant efforts in this regard.
The path of a truth-teller is rarely smooth. African China confirms he has faced numerous threats due to the provocative nature of his songs. Despite these challenges, his conviction remains unshaken.
If granted an audience with Nigeria's leaders today, his message would be clear and singular: "I will tell them to re-visit the 1999 Constitution and amend it to favour the citizens of this country."
He sees music as an enduring force in shaping public opinion, a timeless reminder that transcends generations. "Music will always be a reminder because it can be played over and over again," he asserts. "Even when we have all passed on, the next generation will listen to the songs we made and left behind."
However, he harbors doubts about whether the Nigerian audience still values message-driven music as much as commercial "party hits." He suggests that a genuine appreciation for conscious music would lead to a rejection of what he terms "rubbish" songs and their promoters.
Beyond the Microphone: Life and Legacy
Despite his deep engagement with societal issues, African China has never considered venturing into politics directly. He believes his strength lies in observing and commenting from the outside.
Intriguingly, he reveals that if he were to rewrite 'Mr. President' today, he wouldn't change a word. His reasoning is powerful: "Nothing! If what I wrote 25 years ago still resonates with what is happening today, why rewrite it. Only a failed project can be rewritten." This statement serves as a damning indictment of the nation's stagnant progress.
Outside the realm of music, African China finds solace and joy in spending time with his son. His other passion, he reveals, lies in real estate, an industry he would have pursued had he not found his calling in music.
For aspiring artists, his advice is twofold: meticulous attention to contract details and patience. In an industry often fraught with complexities between artists and label owners, understanding agreements is paramount.
As Nigeria recently celebrated Democracy Day, African China offers a concise yet potent message: "Democracy goes beyond words; it demands meaningful action." His words serve as a reminder that true progress requires more than rhetoric; it demands tangible commitment to the well-being of its citizens.
African China's journey in music is a testament to the power of artistic expression as a tool for social commentary and change. His insights offer a critical lens through which to view Nigeria's past, present, and the potential future of its music and its people.