Will we ever get meaningful lyricism in Naijapop?

We've heard enough about sex, money and fame. Give us something new!

Hi, welcome back to Sayakone.

It's been a long while.

Nigeria's music scene has experienced tremendous growth over the years, with Naijapop taking center stage. The Nigerian music industry has produced some of the biggest music stars in the world, and the genre has continued to evolve over time.

However, one criticism that has been leveled at Naijapop is the lack of meaningful lyricism in the songs.

While Naijapop has undoubtedly brought joy and entertainment to millions of Nigerians and fans around the world, many argue that the lyrics of most Naijapop songs lack depth, substance, and meaningful messaging. Instead, many Naijapop songs are characterized by repetitive hooks, catchy beats, and shallow lyrics that focus on materialism, hedonism, and the pursuit of pleasure.

Despite the criticisms, it's worth noting that there are some Naijapop artists who are breaking the mold and delivering meaningful lyricism in their music. For instance, artists like Falz, Adekunle Gold, and Simi have been celebrated for their thought-provoking lyrics, which tackle social issues, mental health, and other important topics.

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Falz, in particular, has been vocal about the need for Naijapop to evolve beyond the shallow lyrics that have characterized the genre. He believes that artists should use their music as a platform to address social issues and inspire change in their communities. In his hit song "This is Nigeria," Falz tackled issues like corruption, police brutality, and the state of the Nigerian economy. Other examples of his thought-provoking songs are "Talk," and "Child of the World."

Adekunle Gold's "Ire" is another example of a Naijapop song with meaningful lyrics. The song, which means "goodness" in Yoruba, is an inspirational track that encourages listeners to persevere in the face of adversity. The song's message of hope and resilience has resonated with many Nigerians, making it one of the most popular songs of 2018. Some of his other most popular songs with meaningful lyrics include "Damn Delilah," and "Kelegbe Megbe."

Simi, on the other hand, uses her music to explore issues like love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. In songs like "Joromi" and "Duduke," she combines beautiful melodies with meaningful lyrics that touch on the complexities of relationships and personal growth.

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We cannot talk about meaningful lyricism in Nigeria without mentioning Asa. Asa is a Nigerian-French singer and songwriter who is known for her unique blend of soul, pop, and world music. Her music often tackles social issues like poverty, corruption, and inequality. Some of her most popular songs with meaningful lyrics include "Jailer," "Fire on the Mountain," and "Bamidele."

Last but definately not least, is Bez. Bez is a Nigerian singer and songwriter who is known for his soulful music and meaningful lyrics. His songs often address themes like love, faith, and personal growth. Some of his most popular songs with meaningful lyrics include "Stupid Song," "More You," and "Say."

In conclusion, while it's true that many Naijapop songs lack meaningful lyricism, there are still artists who are pushing the genre in new and exciting directions. As the Nigerian music industry continues to grow and evolve, it's likely that we will see more artists breaking away from the shallow lyrics that have characterized the genre, and delivering music that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Till next time.

#Naijapop