By Murkthar Suleiman & Sharon Patrick-Udoh

In the words of Fela Anikulapo Kuti: “Music is the weapon. Music is the weapon of the future.”

We’ve just completed an exciting initiative at the Lab, and it was a whirlwind of rhythm and creativity! Our Voice2Rep program is designed for undiscovered music artists who advocate for greater representation, participation, and accountability. Its aim is to make their voices heard, connect with socially-conscious leaders in the music industry, and build the skills they need to help shape Nigeria’s future through the power of music. This program took center stage during our recent Songwriting Bootcamp, which hosted 25 artists – 19 men and 6 women.

Imagine melodies floating through the air, harmonies intertwining effortlessly, and limitless creativity. This year’s Voice2Rep cohort enthusiastically delved into the enchanting world of songwriting and the results were magical. According to feedback from 95.8% of attendees, the training boot camp was considered valuable and relevant to their musical pursuits. Additionally, 62.5% stated that the boot camp played a significant role in creating a collaborative and supportive environment.

During the boot camp, the artists delved deep into their creativity, transforming their thoughts and emotions into captivating compositions. They produced approximately 10 songs that ranged from heartfelt ballads that tugged at heartstrings to upbeat anthems that made you want to dance. Each song showcased the unique talents and artistic growth of our attendees. Their melodies revolved around digital rights, freedom of expression, and the closing civic space, leaving a lasting impact on all who listened.

“My understanding of digital rights was narrow, but now I fully comprehend that it encompasses my rights as a human being in digital spaces,” says Hope Abah, a 2020 Voice2Rep finalist who took part in the bootcamp. “Additionally, I have gained awareness of how to leverage my emotions and tap into the emotions of others, enabling me to create art that resonates with my target audience.”

But the magic didn’t end there. This boot camp became a hotbed of collaboration as artists united their diverse skills and musical backgrounds to create something truly extraordinary. The power of synergy was palpable as these artists connected, shared ideas, and pushed the boundaries of their creative horizons. Together, they crafted melodies that resonated deep within the souls of their listeners.

We were fortunate to have renowned musical maestros join us as guest instructors and industry experts. One of these these guests was Jessica Bongos, a Nigerian singer, and songwriter has earned nominations for prestigious awards such as the Headies Award for Best Female Vocalist in 2017 and the Nigeria Entertainment Awards for Best New Act in 2018. Another was Precious Obeahon, the founder and CEO of Conscious Soul Records, a Nigerian record label which focuses on promoting socially and politically aware music.

They generously shared their wealth of knowledge and insights through masterclasses, diving into song structure, lyricism, melody creation, and production techniques. But you know what was most inspiring? They emphasized the importance of digital rights for artists, enlightening the artists on how their music can catalyze social change. Talk about music with a purpose!

“It was interesting to learn in detail about the importance of data privacy and the dangerous effects of data breaches on individuals and communities as a whole,” says David Ikani, an aspiring musician who participated in the bootcamp. “I also discovered my role as a songwriter in promoting social impact and learned innovative ways to craft my social impact content and songs, such as using catchy hooks, making it simple yet concise, and prioritizing production value.”

Our immediate focus lies in promoting and distributing the remarkable songs crafted by these talented artists to a wider audience. This involves ensuring that their music is readily accessible through various digital platforms, including popular music streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music, as well as online stores. Our target is to complete this process by July 1, 2023, with the aim of maximizing the exposure and expanding the reach of the artists’ exceptional musical creations.

To provide continuous support and maintain active engagement with the artists, we will organize virtual meet-ups. These gatherings will serve as invaluable opportunities for mentoring, feedback sessions to track their progress, and overall guidance. We recognize the significance of regular interaction and support in nurturing the growth and development of these artists, enabling them to flourish in their artistic endeavors.

So, stay tuned, folks, because these budding songwriters are ready to conquer the world armed with their voices and pens. We can’t wait to witness their future successes and the impact they’ll create through their melodies.

Kibo Ngowi