The end SARS #ENDSARS protest in Nigeria has gained a lot of momentum as many Nigerians have taken to the streets in several States to protest against the Special Anti-robbery unit of the Police force (SARS) for mistreating the people and violating the basic human rights of citizens on numerous occasions. Internationally recognized individuals, brands, and organizations such as Kanye West (Good Music), Jack Dorsey (Twitter), Davido, etc have lent their voices to the struggle to end police excesses in Nigeria. Musicians have not been left out, as is the norm, music is meant to carry the message of the people and speak the language of the people hence many musicians have spoken up.
This is not the first time we have written about The Nigerian Police. There have been numerous reports of people being kidnapped and abducted against their will, extrajudicial killings, armed robbery, and theft of people’s personal effects like money, laptops, phones, etc have emerged from Africa’s most populous nation. That is why the citizens have decided to take to the streets to express their anger and disappointment at the Government for not taking appropriate actions to clamp down on members of the Special Antirobbery Unit of the police for their excesses.
Artists like Fefe Blanko, Terry Apala, and Acetune have released singles describing the ordeal the Nigerian youth is facing in the hands of the Police and the Government in general. The playlist below is dedicated to music released during the protest and that addresses the struggle.
The rap industry in Nigeria has come alive in the last few months. There has been a resurgence, a couple of significant events that have regenerated and rekindled interest in the art form. At the turn of the millennium, rap music could pride itself as the most followed form of music in Nigeria. Rewind time to the days of Ruggedman, Idris Abdulkareem, and Eldee, rap in Nigeria at one time had a very honest and fanatical following.
Blaqbonez albums, E.P’s and battles, Chocolate city’s Martell Cypher, Mi vs Vector Beef, Blaqbonez vs Khaligraph Jones, Timi Kei’s soul soup Album, and Dr. Barz record detailing the killing of a Mechanic in Port Harcourt are some events that have lifted the face of rap music in recent times.
Today, we had a chance to sit down with Dr. Barz who is emerging as one of the best rap acts in Nigeria and this is how it went.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Born Victor Akpomon, Dr. Barz is a uniquely versatile Afro-hip-hop music artiste. Born in the early ’90s in Benin, Nigeria and raised in the southern city of Port Harcourt, his love for music began from his early years as he started writing music at a tender age of thirteen in high school.
Dr. Barz’s music is an expression of his vast life experiences, societal struggles, and deep knowledge. With a voice texture and rhyme scheme likened to that of Kendrick Lamar, the soul of J. Cole and the spirit of a Port Harcourt hustler, Dr. Barz produces all shades of dope any day.
Why did you choose the name, Dr. Barz?
I chose the name Dr. Barz because I doctor bars. At first, it was just Barz, because I needed something simple and self-explanatory but it needed some distinction. I switched to 16 Barz for a short time because most of my verses were 16s, but in the end, I finally decided to be a Dr.
Can Tell us who your creative Influences are?
My major influences currently are J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, and Burna-Boy. Although at different times during the span of my music career, I have had several other influences
Who do you consider the best rapper in Nigeria?
I consider myself The Creative God and one of the best rappers in Nigeria. I personally hold the opinion that the best is a set of people and not just one person, contrary to many people’s beliefs.
What is your opinion about mumble rap?
I think mumble rap is largely overrated and glorified – sad. I personally think real hip-hop/music should be comprehensible, possess clearly defined messages and inspire people to a positive end
What do we expect from you in the future?
In the future, expect way better songs, videos, bigger collaborations, award-winning projects and definitely real poo-poo
I’m working on my debut album, can’t specifically say when it will be out but it promises to feature a number of amazing artists worldwide.
What are your thoughts on selling digitally?
I think digital platforms are an amazing inclusion in the music industry business, one today’s generation of artistes should feel privileged to have Traditional hard copy sales should not be overlooked too as different regions have their preferences and this is also a good source of revenue during tours.
Are making enough money from streams?
Not enough But I am making some considerable amount of money
Would you say you have all the support you need?
I would say I am grateful for all the considerable amount of support I am getting, but I wouldn’t say that getting way more is a bad idea. It is required for growth
Are you signed to a label?
No, I am independent but I am currently managed by an independent outfit, Kporwell Inc. There are big advantages of being on big labels, but for the integrity of my sound and creative freedom, I would prefer to be independent
But you sure need some type of investment, right?
Music is a business Businesses need investors The more the merrier.
Thank you so much for joining us today. we honestly think your video is pretty solid, gritty and dope. You are one of the best rap act out now.
Did you all hear about the death of Chima; the Mechanic that was Killed in Port Harcourt Nigeria by men who were said to be members of the Nigerian Police force? He was allegedly arrested and tortured to death just because he refused to offer bribe after he broke the traffic rule and drove on the wrong side of the road. The news sparked outrage in Port Harcourt and all social media platforms.
In the past few years, Nigerian youths have been harassed by some members of the Nigerian Police Force and given various unjust treatments including – illegal detention, torture, and false accusations. This has prompted the famous rapper, DR. Barz, to start a movement for youths, standing against all forms of human violence. “We are the voice to the voiceless youths, through music, art, and drama. We stand against all forms of Police Brutality in Rivers State and demand Justice For Chima and the Ikoku 4 as the law permits.” Dr. Barz also narrates the incident in a one minute video he put out on social media
They were allegedly tortured in police custody which led to the death of Chima. We hope with this video we have been able to tell the story of Chima Ikwunado, and the illegal detention of four others who were arrested alongside the deceased by the men of the Eagle (E) Crack for alleged car theft on December 19, 2019.
This is very Courageous and we want to commend DR. Barz for this. This is a way that music could be used to educate, spread information, sensitize and bring positive change. More artists should follow this lead to bring issues that have been swept under the carpet to the surface so that it could be addressed accordingly.
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