Hello Hivers!
Music is great, and useful for a number of reasons: therapy, inspiration, elation etc.
But the most profound is the capacity it has to make one take action. I mean, music influences mind and our behaviors in ways we mostly overlook.
Back in the years between 2000 and 2010, I was an addicted lover of our Naija music. I still love music today. I listen to some. Actually I've been quite selective. But no matter what I listen to, I still find myself gravitating toward the oldies. old tunes still give me goosebumps.
I remember back in 2007, when I was living with my Uncle. I was washing his motorcycle outside the compound when I heard this song blaring from the speakers in my Uncle’s sitting room. He wasn't at home, and I forgot to switch off the TV when power was out - a mistake my Uncle never pardons. I was lucky he wasn't at home at that moment. I quickly ran to the house with the intention to switch off the TV.
But then, the song was not the usual, it was a female voice, sonorously calm and penetrating with a kind of delivery that wasn't the usual Nigerian at the time.
The lady was all nerdy looking with big eye glasses, no make up, and simply dressed. The way she held her guitar gave her off as a great musician. Her song carried a powerful message – “There is fire on the mountain, and no one seems to be on the run…”
Wait, what? Who is this artist?
I quickly checked for her name on the screen. That day, I found my favourite female Nigerian musician of my time. She is French-Nigerian, actually.
Her name? — Bukola Elimide, professionally known as Asa!
You can’t listen to Asa and not fall in love with her music. Asa is a maestro, and got some accolades to her name.
Her most inspiring song, for me, is Moving On. I was at my lowest when I first heard the song. And that song gave me hope. The lyrics were penetrating - capturing almost every detail of my situation.
I had to run away and hide
Something happened in the middle of the night
That intro was practically mind shifting for me. I was drawn by the sharp intro of her message. As I listened on, enjoying the singing and anticipating what comes next, then came the hook:
”Where do you go when you're by yourself?
Who comes along when you cry for help?”
Honestly, if I had heard this song on a happy day, I wouldn't have paid attention to the impact of those questions.
I was in a situation where I didn't even know where to go, or who to talk to. I tried a few people but they didn't seem to get it.
Asa delivered a very useful and powerful message that gave me courage to shake it off and breathe.
She sang:
”I know I can't change the past. But as the river keep flowing,
I'll keep on moving on..”
And that was it.
No matter the challenge, mistake, or whatever mess you've made — the people that left, what went wrong… You just have to keep on moving on.
Be like water.
Don't get stuck.
The world won't wait. Neither should you.
Move on.
Be inspired.
Thanks for reading.