Throughout history, music has always been identified as an efficient motivator for group action and tool for entertainment, peace building and engendering national, regional and international security which, sometimes, spreads to other climes.
One cannot equally forget so quickly, roles of three popular Nigerian musicians, two living and one dead, towards the peace process. Sonny Okosun, of blessed memory, and his kinsman, Sir Victor Uwaifo, were more of pan-African campaigners who, through the lyrics and messages of their songs which cut across tribes, cultures and climes, spread their tentacles even beyond the shores of Africa, preaching the gospel of peace, freedom and unity. Onyeka Onwenu, on her part, has also preached love, reconciliation and peace, with her musical renditions done in English and the different Nigerian dialects.
However, the central thrust of Hon. Bimbo Daramola’s initiative through his company, The Bridge Concepts Nigeria Limited to deepen peaceful coexistence and love among Africans, in different parts of Africa and beyond Africa through the strength of music is indeed a good step in the right direction and thankfully the effort has received meaningful and significant boost especially endorsements from high profile Nigerians and non Nigerians alike as well as business moguls in the corporate world who believe in the notion that their businesses can only survive when there is peace tranquility
From the benefits of hindsight, Hon. Bimbo Daramola’s organized Musical Concert will no doubt help to put an end to xenophobic attacks among other deviant behaviors within the African space. African cannot continue to remain weak, fragmented and still unable to address its many problems effectively. Today, even the most ardent critics of Africa cannot deny the historical imperative for a strong, unified continent.
Yes, with the power of Music African unity and renaissance can be efficiently revived and sustained. It is a possibility, yes we can do it!
Solidarity forever, God bless Africa!
-Emmanuel Ajibulu, a journalist and public commentator, writes via emmanuelajibulu@mail.com