26 years after the return to democracy, Nigerians are yet to enjoy the dividends of democracy.
On June 12, 2025, Nigeria celebrated 26 years of uninterrupted democracy.
While this suggests that the nation has had nearly three decades to correct some of the wrongs and evil meted out by years of military government, the current reality shows that nothing much has changed.
26 years after the return to democracy, Nigerians are yet to enjoy the dividends of democracy. A bulk of its 200 million citizens earn far below the poverty line.
Insecurity is rift, unemployment is at an all-time high, inflation has hit record figures, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu‘s government is widely unpopular as his biting reforms are yet to have any tangible impact on the economy.
Elections are riddled with an unprecedented level of malpractice as the umpire INEC continues to woefully fail the nation.
26 years after independence, elections are no longer determined at the polls but by the judiciary, whose judgment continues to truncate the will of the populace.
The religious institutions, which are the opium of the masses, continue to cash in on this hope while courting the political elites whose wanton corruption has impoverished their flocks.
Nothing documents Nigeria’s socioeconomic reality more than musicians who have, for decades, used their work to capture the nation’s socio-cultural and political climate.
These artists have held the government accountable through their songs and called for good governance.
Here are 10 timeless songs that capture Nigeria’s sociopolitical reality.
1. Fela Kuti – “Zombie” (1977)
A scathing critique of Nigeria’s military regime, comparing soldiers to mindless zombies obeying orders without question. The song led to a brutal crackdown on Fela by the government.
2. Fela Kuti – “Sorrow, Tears and Blood” (1977)
Inspired by the 1976 Soweto Uprising and Nigeria’s own repression, Fela laments the suffering of ordinary people under authoritarian rule.
3. Sonny Okosun – “Fire in Soweto” (1977)
Though referencing apartheid South Africa, Okosun’s song resonated with Nigerians facing oppression, becoming an anthem for liberation struggles.
4. Evi-Edna Ogholi – “Happy Birthday” (1986)
A satirical take on Nigeria’s economic hardship under military rule, where even celebrating a birthday becomes a struggle due to poverty.
5. Majek Fashek – “Send Down the Rain” (1988)
A prayerful cry for Nigeria’s redemption from corruption, violence, and suffering, blending reggae with deep spiritual yearning.
6. Onyeka Onwenu – “One Love” (1991)
A call for national unity amidst ethnic and religious divisions, urging Nigerians to embrace peace and togetherness.
7. Eedris Abdulkareem – “Jaga Jaga” (2004)
A bold critique of Nigeria’s political class, highlighting corruption, failed leadership, and the suffering of the masses.
8. Femi Kuti – “Sorry Sorry” (2001)
Femi continues his father’s legacy, addressing police brutality, bad governance, and the hypocrisy of Nigeria’s ruling elite.
9. 9ice – “Living Things” (2008)
A Yoruba-laced commentary on Nigeria’s economic struggles, where even basic survival is a daily battle for many.
10. Burna Boy – “Monsters You Made” (2020)
Featuring Chris Martin, this song reflects on colonialism’s lasting damage and Nigeria’s cycle of poverty and violence.