Reterdeen Staff
The music industry has always had an affiliation with the political scene in Nigeria.
Over the years, we have seen several musicians come out to campaign for people vying for political posts at all levels in the country. From Fuji legends like Kwam 1 to rappers like M.I., musicians have always been involved in politics one way or the other. They run campaigns and release songs to support their candidates but they never really become politicians.
However, a few musicians have crossed that line and actually gone on to vie for political offices. Just yesterday, Suparstar pop artist, Davido, showed his interest in becoming a governor sometime I future. Davido, in fact, has raised a lot of awareness concerning people voting in the upcoming 2019 general elections. But that’s story for another day. Let us take a look at the Nigerian musicians who went from entertainers to politicians:
- Banky W
Olubankole Wellington, popularly known as ‘Banky W’ is one of our most talented singers in the country. The bald headed musician has shown to be a man of many talents, having successfully broken into the movie industry too. Banky W, however, announced his politician status when he was declared the 2019 flagbearer of the Modern Democratic Party for Eti-Osa Federal House of Representatives in Lagos. He has been seriously campaigning since then, with the aim of winning a seat in the house.
- 9ice
Abolore Akand also known as ‘9ice’ ventured into politics in 2015 when he contested for the House of Representative seat in Oyo state. Unfortunately, he lost at the primaries but was rewarded with an appointment under the state government. 9ice has since 2017 abandoned his political career and gone back to his music.
- Tony Tetuila
Millenial kids may not know this musician but Tony Tetuila was once the hottest musician in the Nigerian music industry. After a long break from the spotlight, the former member of the defunct “The Remedies” group decided to run for a seat in the Kwara state House of Assembly. Sadly, he was defeated at his party APC’s primaries.
- Muma Gee
Another old time musician, Gift Iyumane Eke, popularly known as ‘Muma Gee’ also ventured into politics in 2015. She contested under the umbrella of the Labor Party for the Federal House of Representative in her native Rivers State. She however didn’t win the position.
- Onyeka Onwenu
This veteran songstress is a long time member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). She had once taken the decision to run for the position of the Local Council Chairman in her native Imo State but instead, she was given a political appointment by the then governor of the state. Later on, she also got a federal appointment in 2013. She has remained in the political scene since then.
These 5 musicians listed above have gone out of their way to bring the relationship between music and politics even closer. Are we going to see another musician become politician in future? Let us wait and see.
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