Nigeria's government is currently contemplating the introduction of a policy that will attempt to save/increase jobs in the Nigerian entertainment industry. The said policy will put an end to movie and music video production outside of Nigeria.
In the past, I have spoken on this practice when I wrote a post on the African delusion that Africa is the most beautiful continent on planet earth and the place to be. I spoke of how as Africans, despite all our claims of being proud of our origin, we still use a trip out of Africa as a status symbol.
Any-ha!
On hearing the news, Peter of the P Square duo took to social media to condemn the policy. He says the Nigerian government has been failing its people, arguing that Nigeria's entertainers are the ones who have been saving the face of Nigeria abroad. Peter wrote:-
"Dear FG, for your information! All the shame way una dey bring for dis our country Na we dey entertainers dey cover una Nash! Ndi ala." He also threatened to denounce his Nigerian citizenship and take up residency in another country.
One civil group took particular offense to Peter's statements and wants him penalized for the disrespect.Their argument:- P Square would never have become a thing if the Nigerian government had not used its power to institute a policy in 1999 which mandated all broadcast stations in Nigeria to a 95% Nigerian music playlist.
By the way I learned 'Ndi ala' means 'mad and stupid persons.'
I do not agree with the demands that Peter be punished because I believe and stand for freedom of speech.
On the other hand. I want to applaud the Nigerian government for at least thinking of ways to help its people; unlike our government bourgeoisies who always think only of themselves and France.
Peter's reaction speaks volumes of the African mentality that is responsible for the suffering of the continent.
When policies benefit us personally we are happy with them even if they are detrimental to the community at large but when we do not benefit personally, we are against.
That is the mentality that drives corruption and the mentality that stops us from hitting that share button.
That is the mentality that stops us from promoting our own. The reason why TV stations will prefer to bore their viewers with low quality content rather than play videos just because they are good. And the list continues.
I always say the reason why we do not see any change is because people only want change when they can take the credit for it but at the same time, they do not want to do the dirty work that brings change. We all want to be Nelson Mandela without spending a day in jail.
As Africans we need to realize the magnitude of the struggle for our identity and a respected voice in the world.
We need to stop thinking any other continent has our best interest at heart and we need to kill the identity crises that makes us feel our value only exists by our interaction with the west.
Now that they love our music, how about they bring us some money over here to come get it instead of us paying our transport to go and deliver it at their doorsteps.
We can learn a thing or two from Nigeria here.
by Tino Foy