In Burkina Faso, the Art of Raising Awareness Through Music
Alif Naba recalls it vividly as if it were only yesterday. Returning to his ancestral village in the heart of Burkina Faso after a long absence, he was struck by the sight of the pond where he used to frolic as a child—it was completely dry. Inquiring with the villagers, he discovered that it had been this way for several months. It was in 2015, against the backdrop of COP 21 in Paris, that he wrote "Et maintenant" (And Now), a song about climate change. Since then, this singer, songwriter, and performer has ceaselessly used his music to raise awareness about the critical challenges of global warming.
In a highly personal style that blends folk and traditional music, this Burkinabe artist spares no effort when it comes to championing social demands and causes within the cultural sphere.
"The role of my art is to denounce the flaws and difficulties we face, talk about them, help people, and raise awareness through my music. I have come to realize that it pays off, as my music has a positive impact not only on the general public but also on the authorities."
Alif Naaba, Singer and Songwriter
In Burkina Faso, currently embroiled in a violent multidimensional crisis, music and art generally serve as a genuine pressure valve for the population—a means of escape. Cultural events, foremost among them Fespaco, the showcase of Burkina Faso and the grand gathering of African cinema enjoy significant popularity and garner significant media attention year after year.
In the "land of honest people," the strength of the artists lies not only in filling concert halls and stadiums but in their ability to act as veritable catalysts for change. In 2014, the potent mobilization of civil society, spearheaded by a collective of hip-hop artists, played a pivotal role in the downfall of the then-president, Blaise Compaoré.
In times of crisis, it is often the artists who contribute to appeasing tensions and shaping a vision. Artists have the power to effect positive or negative change. In Burkina Faso, the influence of artists is predominantly positive. We serve as the voices of the people. Through our art, we empower individuals to make better choices," asserts Alif Naaba confidently.
In Nigeria, Politics and Governance Set to Afrobeats Rhythms
Politics isn't typically the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of the rhythms of Afrobeats, which have now gained global recognition. Nigerian artists in this music genre tend to focus on more personal subjects such as money, success, and love. However, some have chosen to use their music as a platform to raise awareness about civic and political issues.
DanDizzy, a rapper from Port Harcourt, embarked on a journey across several Nigerian states on the eve of the 2023 general elections. Armed with his Bluetooth speaker, he took to the streets to engage with the less privileged and the less educated, urging them to exercise their voting rights. His approach? An irresistible flow combined with well-crafted lyrics, all set to a danceable Afrobeats rhythm. This unique live performance persuaded many people around him to register with the Independent National Electoral Commission to obtain their voter's cards.
"Addressing political and governance issues through music is cooler and more inspiring. We don't come to preach to people; instead, we aim to persuade them more effectively. It's all about the approach! I used to be one of those who considered voting pointlessly, but not anymore. We need to mobilize ourselves to bring about the change we desire. Music remains one of the best ways to achieve that."
DanDizzy, Nigerian rapper
This innovative concept originated from the Nigerian company "Tasck Creative," which connects artists with platforms to create content and stimulate debate on socially and politically impactful issues.
Creative Industries as Catalysts for Development
These initiatives and innovations serve as a reminder that, in terms of artist visibility and the structuring of cultural industries, Nigeria remains an exemplary model for its Sahelian neighbors. In the realm of Afrobeats, the Nigerian film industry, known as Nollywood, has wielded substantial soft power on the global stage for over two decades, mainly through video-on-demand platforms. As Africa's economic powerhouse, Nigeria also stands at the forefront of the contemporary art sector.
While cultural industries predominantly serve as vehicles for intellectual emancipation in Francophone countries, their economic and developmental potential remains largely untapped, in contrast to their Anglophone counterparts. In the realm of music alone, Francophone Africa boasts approximately 400 million potential consumers, with 65% of them being under 25 years old—a significant asset in the digital era. A prospective study forecasts that African music streaming revenues will triple between 2021 and 2026, soaring from USD92.9 million to USD314.6 million.
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