From October 3, 2020 to October 20, 2020, Nigerian youths marched through the country, protesting peacefully at various locations and states. They wanted an end to the notorious police unit called SARS. (Special Anti-robbery Squad) who, instead of protecting the youths, go about harassing, robbing, and killing them.
While the protests lasted, we saw celebrities lend their voice to the cause both at home and abroad. Artistes weren’t left out, as they used their music to stand in solidarity with the END SARS protest across the world. Let’s delve into the top five songs that dropped during this period.
- ‘20-10-20’ – Burnaboy
Burnaboy has been one to always speak up against bad governance in Nigeria. It’s no news that he decided to lend his voice to this cause, despite initial controversies.
The track addresses police brutality and the Lekki toll gate’s happenings, where security operatives were seen shooting at unarmed protesters. The title is a reference to what is now known as the Lekki Massacre.
Burnaboy said, “I have not slept since 20-10-20. I close my eyes, and all I see is Lekki tollgate. I’ve seen a lot of violence and death in my life, but this is the one that has traumatized me.”
He closes the song with gunshots in the distance and innocent people begging for their lives. Wow!
- ‘END SARS’ – Fikky
During one of the END SARS protests in Lagos, a young boy named Fikky stood on top of a police truck and rapped a song he titled END SARS. This song went viral on Twitter.
Adey, one of Africa’s best producers, reached out to Fikky in a tweet and told him to contact him, as would like to produce the full song for him for free.
The song addresses the notorious police unit SARS and all the wickedness they do. When Fikky said, “The people meant to protect us are the ones killing us”, It hit deep!
- ‘We Don Tire’ – Orezi
‘We Don Tire’ is a song that describes the pain and hardship we all face daily as citizens of Nigeria. It emphasizes the fact that the rich keep getting richer while the poor remain the same.
Orezi says, “We the youths are tired, and we demand change.”
- ‘In My Country’ – Kida Kudz
In this emotional song, Kida Kudz calls out some of the names of those who have lost their lives before and during the END SARS protest. He also shares his experience with police brutality and dedicates the song to the Lekki Massacre victims.
- ‘Tell Us’ – Skales
This song addresses the government. In particular, Skales tells those in power to be accountable for their actions. He Reminds them that we put them in control and they should honor our demands.
He asked the government to bring the perpetrators of the Lekki Massacre to justice.
Overall
The END SARS protest was an emotional time for everyone. But more importantly, the youths of Nigeria became more aware, and those with influence demonstrated its power, using their voice, and their art.