Music is a beautiful form of art, influential, and possesses the power to evoke deep emotions that can transform the heart of just about anybody. Music brings people together and gives them a common cause.
The great Fela Anikulapo Kuti, known for his disruptive Afrobeat style, understood the efficacy of this art. He was the face and voice of the people in a time where politicians would rather feed their interests than serve those who put them in power.
Today, the war Fela fought still rages on and many contemporary Nigerian artists have taken a leaf from the afrobeat maven’s book. Artists now participate in politics to take their stand and make a change right from the epicenter.
“You see, my entire life has been a story of just dreaming dreams, praying about those dreams, setting goals and working until they come true. I can live with trying and failing, I can’t live with not trying.”
— Banky W
These were part of the words of the Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) boss, Olubankole Wellington a.k.a Banky W, when he declared his intention to contest for the Lagos Eti Osa Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives in the 2019 general election.
The pop singer who is famous not just for his music but also his inspiring TED Talks, made the announcement at the debut convention of the Modern Democratic Party (MDP) in Lagos.
Banky W admitted that the race would not be an easy one, however he and his camp have chosen to hope against all odds, hence his slogan ‘Hope 19’.
The singer has now joined the wagon of entertainment celebrities who have declared their intentions to run for public positions in the 2019 general elections including Kanayo O. Kanayo and Shinna Peller.
