We have different genres of music and various artists pass diverse information through their music. You hear them singing about love/relationship, party, drinks, drugs, money, crimes and religion.
In the Nigerian music, it seems like one of the easiest way of hitting fame is by singing about money or praising people that got their wealth illegally.
In 2017, Folarin Falana (better known as Falz) blasted his colleagues in the Nigerian music industry and Nigerians didn't take it lightly with him. Even though some people were on his side, many other were on the opinion that everyone has the right to sing whatever they like he (Falz) wasn’t a saint either.
Fast-forward to April 2019, Adekunle Gold's wife and singer, Simi also condemned internet fraud, even going to the extent of banning them from patronising her songs. Saying that she was satisfied with people who patronise her music with money that is made through legal means.
5 Nigerian Artiste that have Promoted Internet Fraud in their Songs
Inasmuch as some Nigerian artists (like the ones listed above) condemn internet fraud, a good number of them also support fraudsters and even go to the extent of promoting it in their songs.We'd be presenting the list of 5 musicians that have previously promoted internet in their songs:
• 9ice
When 9ice released 'Living Things' in 2006, many Nigerians assumed he was talking Babout internet fraud. After Falz came out openly to condemn artists that promote fraud, 9ice replied by saying that 'Living Things' wasn't about glorifying fraud, but has to do with waking up and earning a living.
What do you think about the song 'Living Things'? Does it really glorify fraud or is it a wake up call for one to start hustling legitimately?
• D'Banj
Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, popularly known as D'banj is popularly known for his 'Oliver Twist' song which was produced by Don Jazzy. D'banj has won several awards in Nigeria and beyond including Artist of the Year at the MTV Africa Music Awards 2009, Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2007, Best International Act: Africa at the 2011 BET Awards and Best-selling African Artist at the 2014 World Music Awards.
D'Banj 2004 song titled 'Mobolowowon' is probably the first record of an Internet fraud inspired song in Nigeria. According to Pulse.NG, the song narrated a personal tale of how he escaped from the London police when he tried to pull a credit card scam.
• Olamide
Olamide is another big Nigerian artist that has been criticised severally for allegedly promoting fraud. From his label Yahoo Boys No Laptop (YBNL) to a number of his songs have been listed by this critics.
One of his songs 'Prayer For Client' was released in 2014. He also sang 'Logo Benz' with Lil Kesh in 2018 December. A line in the song said '...If money no enter, I go do blood money o!'
• Naira Maley
The arrest was after he released his hit single, 'Am I A Yahoo Boy' with Zlatan Ibile. The video was directed by T.G Omori.
• Zlatan Ibile
What do you think? Is Falz correct for speaking up against internet fraud or should he have kept mute like other artists? Drop your opinions as comments below and don't forget to share with your friends.
Also check out our previous post on how to start a successful music career in Nigeria without hoping on sponsors.
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