Music has gone so bad nowadays

Ever since I encountered the question regarding the state of music today, it has been my mind and it is a matter that weighed heavily on my heart before this day, particularly in the realm of music, where we find ourselves in an era where what once seemed abnormal has now become a normal standard. You know what I mean? Music is not the same as it used to be in the past. Then, the lyrics have beautiful meaning

The lyrics in today's music world leave much to be desired and stand in stark comparison to the days when certain songs faced public scrutiny and censorship for their explicit content. In those times, certain lyrics were so objectionable that they would be promptly banned from radio airwaves and public events. Some lyrics are out of it and ought to be banned outright. Most times, I wonder why a song embedded in cocaine, tramadol, and all other drugs should be released into the world. What are we preaching?

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I believe that the Nigerian music industry requires a thorough examination and regulatory oversight before songs are released to the public. Many of the lyrics we hear today are not only wayward but also lack educational value. The jargon and explicit content in many popular songs are overwhelming. So alarming, the repercussion of this distribution of content is that, before we know it, young children who come from religious homes are singing along without understanding the implications or meanings behind the words they are repeating.

On a particular Tuesday, my children returned home from school and, amidst their homework, started singing a well-known secular song titled "Oko le" (which translates to "hard penis" in English). They recited the lyrics from beginning to end, leaving me in a state of disbelief and confusion. I found myself asking, where and when did they learn these lyrics? My husband and I do not introduce or play such music in our home, nor do we keep worldly lyrics on our devices. To say that the lyrics of such songs are raw and worldly is an understatement. Shockingly, these are the types of songs being played at children’s parties, highlighting a troubling trend. This is a personal experience!

How did we reach this point where young minds are so easily exposed to and influenced by such explicit content? It raises profound questions about our cultural landscape and the responsibilities of the music industry. I firmly believe that artists and producers should take a moment to reflect on their impact, particularly on impressionable youth. Before releasing music to the public, there should be consideration for the younger generation and an understanding of the messages that are being disseminated.

The music industry needs to champion impactful and meaningful content. Artists should be encouraged to focus on themes that educate, inspire, and uplift, rather than exploit and diminish. Additionally, there should be a regulating body in place that can oversee the kind of lyrics being published, ensuring that they are appropriate for all audiences, especially children. Measures could include content rating systems similar to those seen in movies, which would provide parents with the necessary tools to manage what their children are exposed to.

Music has brought both creative freedom and a responsibility that cannot be ignored. We owe it to our children to protect them from the wayward influence of explicit content. The time has come for a collective intervention and action towards a more responsible and conscientious music industry. Together, we can foster a musical culture that resonates positively with future generations, nurturing minds rather than exploiting or exposing them.

The image is sourced.

My response to the #hivelearners writing content on the subject; LYRICS TO GO

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