Monday, June 22, 2009

My response to the recent Guardian Newspaper Article by Mr Reuben Abati

This is my response to the article entitled "A Nation's Identity Crisis" that recently ran in The Guardian Newspapers. It was written by Dr Reuben Abati, a well respected name in Nigerian Journalism. His original article can be found here: http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/editorial_opinion/article02//indexn2_html?pdate=210609&ptitle=A%20Nation
Please try and read the original article before commenting on my response. As Dr Abati has stated his opinion, I felt it neccessary to state mine. If anything I'm sure both pieces are at least food for thought.


Dear Sir,

In the immortal words attributed to P.T. Barnum, "I don't care what the newspapers say about me, at least spell my name right." My name IS Banky W, full name being Olubankole Wellington. Not Willington, as you stated in your article entitled "A Nation's Identity Crisis". I read the piece repeatedly, and found that misspelling my name wasn’t the only error. At it's worst, the article seemed like an attempt to discredit and slander an entire generation of artistes and consumers, and at best it came across as having some valid points but being grossly misinformed, prejudiced, and hypocritical; definitely not what we would expect of a highly regarded publication as The Guardian, or from a person in Mr Abati's position.

In the very least, the article warrants a well-informed response. I have little doubt in my mind that it will generate a slew of responses, positive and negative, and as one of the many subjects that was mentioned in the write-up, I feel compelled to voice my opinion (with all due respect) on some of the issues that were raised in your piece. What I'm going to attempt to do is to directly address issues that stood out and resonated most with me.

The writer asked "What's in a name?" and went on to honor a "...generation which sang music under its real names, not abbreviations or slangs"; this would have been a valid point if he had not himself mentioned Greats like King Sunny Ade (real name: Sunday Adeniyi), I.K. Dairo (Isaiah Kehinde Dairo), and Ebenezer Obey (Real name: Ebenezer Remilekun Aremu Olasupo Fabiyi- Wow!!!). We could also point out other legends like Ras Kimono and Majek Fashek as others who, for creative or other reasons, saw it fit to have stage names that happen to differ from what's on their passports. Shortening of full names and/or the crafting of stage names is not something new from our generation of artistes that "lack the discipline or the patience to write complete sentences" as you said; rather, it's the creative right of an artiste to go by whatever moniker he sees fit. And if we want to talk about the names of today, we can highlight a few: Eldee - actually L.D. which stands for Lanre Dabiri, similar to Isaiah Kehinde Dairo's transition to I.K. Dairo. Naeto C and Banky W are simply short forms of their full names. In my case, my father's nickname among his friends is actually Banky as well.

Furthermore, on the topic of Names and abbreviations let's set a few things straight. Nigerzie is actually spelt Nigezie and is not an abbreviation for Nigeria. It's a TV Show, much like Soundcity or Hip TV, except they choose to incorporate "representing Nigeria" in their name. It's like the "United Colors of Bennetton", or DKNY, both companies that choose to represent their locations or origins in their name. Also, for the record, Gidi doesn't mean Nigeria either. It's a term for Lagos... coined from "Las Gidi". And as far as the popular term "Naija" goes, who remembers Shina Peters singing "♫ Naija lo wa yi o o o, wa jo, afro juju lo gb'ode ♫" I hate to point out that our generation did not come up with that term... the "golden age" that you long for did.

As an editorial head of a National Newspaper, you owe it to your public to at least do proper and accurate research before printing an article. The risk in not doing so, is you might unknowingly mislead your readers, and you might actually come across as being ignorant or out of touch. A quick look at all the reference names of artistes and songs mentioned in the article goes to show that the author was sadly way off base in his accusations and examples. For instance, to make a point on how today’s Nigerian artistes lyrics are meaningless and prurient, he referenced the Rooftop MC's song "La Gi Mo". What he failed to realize or crosscheck, is that the said song is probably one of the most meaningful and important songs that have been released in the last few years on the Nigerian Music Scene. The Rooftop MC's are actually a Rap Group that leans to the Gospel or at least Socially Conscious side of music, and their songs always have a positive message. That song itself talks about the errors we make by trying to take God's glory for our success... getting caught up in the limelight and asking God to bring you back to reality to know that HE deserves the praise for where you are.

The author mentioned other songs like D'banj's "Fall in Love", and doesn't realize how hypocritical he sounds by attempting to ridicule some of our most popular love songs. Felix Liberty sang "Ifeoma, ifeoma, I want to marry you", D'banj sang "Omo U don make me fall in love" and Banky W sang "Till my dying day, I'll love you". Barring a difference in musical styling, are these songs not cut from the same cloth? Why can't someone in Mr Abati's position be proud of the fact that at Nigerian and African Weddings nowadays, couples are choosing these songs to mark their first dances instead of previous choices like “Endless Love”? Why can't we appreciate that the days of going to Nigerian Parties and clubs and celebrating to foreign music “all night long” are long gone? Despite these facts, you still see International festivals and concerts being held in Nigeria where the foreign acts are paid 30 to 40 times what some of our biggest stars are allowed to charge.

I have to disagree with the author's views. We are not all one and the same, but we ARE artistes. We may sing, rap, dance, mime, perform, play instruments or whatever else; but we are artistes. And Composers. And musicians. We may not all play the piano or the guitar, but neither does Michael Jackson, arguably the world's greatest artiste/entertainer. That's why he teamed up with producer Quincy Jones to create some of the best music anyone had ever heard. We have our own producers that have shaped Nigerian sound...people like Cobhams Asuquo, Don Jazzy, I.D. Cabasa, Dr Frabz, Tee-Y mix, Eldee, Terry G etc. That list goes on. These music minds are no less credible than those of Mr Abati's time, like the great Laolu Akins.


Far be it from us to claim that we are perfect and flawless in our art... we know that we are still growing and have lots of areas to improve, but the truth of the matter is we have worked very hard to create the industry we have now, and some people choose to criticize and lambaste most of us, instead of helping and teaching us. That is unfair. Yes, some artistes sag their jeans... however, a glance at the pages of THISDAY style or the recently concluded awards shows will show you very clearly that others wear three-piece suits and traditional attires just as proudly, myself included. This music industry that you have very clearly disapproved of has partnered with and given rise to the fashion industry in Nigeria as well. Just ask Designers like Mai, Babs Familusi (Exclamations Couture), the Okunorens, Muyiwa Osindero and countless others. Everything from the t-shirts and jeans rappers wear, to the shoes and suits are made by young Nigerians, where in previous years people preferred to shop in London. The youth-driven industries in Entertainment and Fashion have teamed up to thrust Nigeria into the world's positive spotlight, when for many years our dear country was mostly known for corruption, lack of infrastructure, and security issues.

Our country has not yet given us steady electricity, adequate education, safety from armed robbers or standard healthcare, yet artistes have risen like the Roses that grow from Concrete... and these very artistes love and represent their country proudly on a global stage. This music industry has given hope, jobs and income to countless youth of today. We are Rappers, Singers, Producers, Sound Engineers, Managers, Promoters, Marketing Consultants, Record Label Owners and we will not apologize for making the best of our circumstances; and all this in spite of the fact that we have Marketers that exploit but refuse to pay for our Musical pieces, Royalties and Publishing income that hitherto has been non-existent, a Government that is just now very slowly starting to enforce anti-piracy laws, and Event Organizers that would rather pay 50 Cent One Million US Dollars than give D'banj or P-Square 5 Million Naira.

You were right on some counts. We ARE businessmen and women, and we ARE interested in extending name recognition and brand extension. You were also right in that we look up to people like Jay-Z, who took their music and created multimillion-dollar empires. Since when did ambition and desire to succeed against all odds count against a person’s moral character? Shouldn’t we be encouraged to pay more attention to the business side of “Show Business”? Shouldn’t we want this music industry to provide for our future and the futures of our children?

We know we have a moral responsibility when it comes to our Creative works. Some of us pay more attention to it than others, and there is lots of ground to cover up. But how about a little appreciation and help, instead of trying to tear us down and discredit us? Time will tell whose music will last and become evergreen, but it is not in anyone's place to judge; and for the record, can we just accept that fact that hip hop music is an artform that is probably here to stay... I mean for goodness sake the Grammy's has!! Instead of fighting the change, we should learn to embrace it. I thank God for people like the great Adewale Ayuba that have reached across to our generation to collaborate with, bridge the gap, and help us improve.

We want to learn but your generation has to teach. We want to read but the Government must provide libraries. We want to go to school but the lecturers keep going on strike. We want to travel but previous generations messed up so they won’t give out visas. Most of prefer having our own live bands but the income needed to support that is not forthcoming.

You speak of meaninglessness and prurience, identity crisis and moral turpitude. You praise Legends like Fela Anikulakpo-Kuti and you ridicule us. 9ice does not drink or smoke. eLDee is married to one wife. Olu Maintain does not drink. Naeto C is currently obtaining his Masters’ degree in England. The ironic thing is, we look up to and praise your generation too. You seem to forget that Baba Fela had 27 wives, smoked marijuana in public, was himself half naked at shows (as well as the women around him) and allegedly died of HIV. However we look past what some may consider shortcomings and respect and emulate the immense contributions he made to our history. We are in awe of him despite personal choices that some may or may not agree with. All we are asking for is to be appreciated and afforded similar tolerances.

You danced to Shina Peters. Let us dance to our music. And for the record: for every "Anoti" by MI, he has a "Crowd Mentality" or a "Talk about it". For a Naeto C's "Ki Ni Big Deal", he has a "The Devil is a Liar". Just because an artiste uses a particular song to promote his album for commercial reasons, doesn't mean they should be judged on that alone. Anyone that is familiar with the cost of promoting an album (videos, press, etc) would know that you end up making hard decisions in terms of what you have to push and promote, for your best chance at success. I suggest that you buy whole albums and look at the body of work. Listen to the entire CD’s. I think you'll find that more often than not, Nigerian artistes are doing a pretty good job of representing this great Country of Nigeria. Naija Till We Die. Yes Boss.

Sincerely,
~ Banky W.

214 comments:

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Ark Point said...

Hello Banky; this is the first time I saw you on Soundcity as No1 MTN Top Ten.. You were so good that I felt connected to you as if I am in Lagos again.. even though I am in my 50s and being in UK for over 12 years...I immediately went to your site and saw this..
I have read what Reuben wrote and I can tell you that it is all trash as far as I am concerned. He is an 'old' man who is afraid of change.

My kids go to private schools in UK and what dress they wear& music they listen to is way too much for me; but I have learnt to accept change. I lived the first over 35 years of my life in Ebute Metta and worshiped at Baptist Church Algomeji. I listened to IK Dairo, Ebenezer Obey, Rex Lawson all my youth but that does not stop me from appreciating in my 'old' age talented guys like you (Banky W), or Faze, DBanj, Ibiyemi, PSqare or even Kanye West, Usher, Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Hannah Montana which my kids loves so much.

Reuben is just being old .Please ignore his rants and such old louts.
More grease to your elbow. It is you guys that gives work and hope to our restless youth.

The reality is that the everything especially the central government is dead in Nigeria and the only industry that is still alive is the film and music industry in Nigeria.

Please keep it alive.

My best regards...

sally said...

Banky,i'm just listening to ur music (strong thing) and the first time i heard it in lagos(in the car) when i came for a meeting,i was asking whether it was done by a nigerian and i can say that i'm proud to be your fan.
Don't allow haters to make loose your focus.just do the right thing and your good work will speak for itself.

Anonymous said...

wow! banky on explosive mission.. this is even ballistic.

really i dont like the excessiveness, arogancy and flaboyancy of we youth but i must say that u response made so much sense man!

am highly dissapointed that a man of reuben abati status could write such article without good research..... the article shows that there is an underlying factor that is not expressed yet.

banky, i love ur bold and factual response spiced with maturity.

nice one

mike said...

then to your song titled 'strong thing'; wow! that is 'Oti po ju' men! cant stop listening to it over and over again......

the creativity is out of this world, my white friends was entertained when they watched it on u-tube.

gush! fantastic song from capable..... how i wish u never sang that 'ebute metta'

you r good.......
mike

segundaniels said...

Well said Mr W.. For me, I grew up listening to a lot of music stuff as loved by my generation n I definitely feel we have got artistes out there who are definitely keeping it real..
It was so obvious you channeled ur tots into what you posted n I guess u deserve kudos 4 been precise, straight to the point n not necessarily losing your cool....
By the way, I love the "W Experience", actually bought 2 other copies for my siblings...

Unknown said...

GReat work Banky, I pray other artiste would defend their art like you have WELL presented,with all FACTS AND NO BOLLOCKS. Articulate and well stated.God Bless your Soul my brother, For protecting us all.

LAWSICK said...

honestly I'm so angry I'm just coming across this piece! I hope it was published in one of the dailies if Guardian wasn't up it! The piece by Reuben Abati is a most foolish one and it reeks of utter shallowness! I'm totally impressed with this very delicate and insightful response by Banky W and I must say u never quite cut across to me as this intelligent.. And I sincerely apologise for that right now! Reuben Abati I bet shut the hell up after he read this piece!
Yes Uncle Reuben, ur piece is retarded! How can u think we disrespect our country? We love Nigeria and ths generation infact appreciates this country more than ur so conceived "Perfect generation!" We aint hustling for Visa's to run out like u did! No! We r infact telling those outside to come back home! Perfect examples? Banky W, Naeto C, Ikechukwu and a host of others! We appreciate the music being produced! I for one have come to find so much solace in Music, and how did I get there? Thru Nigerian Music! Particularly, the W EXPERIENCE! And this is not cos banky wrote that piece! And Yes! Loads of oda artistes too! Eldee is amazing! Try listening to him! Dbanj is utterly entertaining and he comes with a message we can always relate to in each song! You should listen to Banky W's "WHY" on his new album and u'd want to kiss his feet! Yes he's raisin a whole lotta awareness too! Then u see Young ones like WIZKId and u can't but be happy for this country of ours! Amazing talent! Yet they are not college drop outs like the ones from ur generation! Mocheddah! Yes! It means more money! Don't u want more money? She's brillant and she cooks up good music too! I do a lot with Music and i take offence u have chosen to Judge this selfless artistes this way! Pls its called STAGE NAME! That shldnt b so difficult for u to comprhend uncle reuben! But in ur piece, u sounded so unlearned! In fact! One growing aspect of Nigeria which we are all proud of is our MuSic industry! That which u criticize unfairly , unjustly and without any form of insight!
Yes we call it Naija! Kini big deal? On our forms, we still spell NIGERIA correctly! Ur piece makes us out as Idiots! And I'm sure by now u know u r highly mistaken! Stop trying so hard to hold on to the dredges of the past! Slangs r allowed Sir! Wake up Reuben and smell the coffee! We r proudly 9JA nd Yes we love it!
God bless 9ja, God bless Gidi!
Kill urself if u like jor!

Anonymous said...

I got thinking...... never really seen MJ (is it a sin to call him that?) play any instruments.
Banky u the man... sorry, u dey Boss! Yes Boss.

Unknown said...

Even though Abati didnt do his homework properly, i think he has a fair point to some extent and so do u Banky.
i heard about this article at a party and i tried endlessly to find it on facebook, but cldnt find it just stumbled on a few mins ago.


First of all, Abati is ignorant, he didnt even take the time to listen to Rooftop mc's lyrics.. and just slams it!
okay but, what kind of song is kerewa, ada owerri, adanma, and lil jojo's gini .....?
Who produces these songs?
okay so we have the likes of mo hits crew also know as mo weed crew!

For me i like to listen to real music... Lara George is good, quite a number are good, but what amazes me is there is no talent most times eg 5 different artist use thesame beat... no musc at all, all u can hear is dignified noise,lyrics dont make sense.. Ada owerri eey.

the new tune Ekaete belle.. make sense to some extent but erm ekaete .. very strange name.
You mentioned 9ice doesnt smoke but why do they show such things in their videos? olu maintain promotes alcohol in yahoozee, yet doesnt drink! promotes yahoozeing, as a 23yr old i dont even wanna listen to that and would not let my 16yr old sister either..9ice performed in london singing about his ganga and whatever, he goes show me your lighter and was astonished when ppl didnt bring lighters out, and he asks dont london ppl smoke weed? ganga whatever!

its ppl like them that give Abati the opportunity to talk.. Jordin sparks is always covered up in her videos she is young, married beyonce struts her stuff almost naked thats her way of selling her music.
In as much as i dont agree with a lot of the crap Abati mentioned in this article, i am sure you would agree with me that some songs dont deserve to makeit to mainstream media.
Just a mere opinion!

Babs said...

i am a fan of Banky W, but this write up has in my view, elevated him in my eyes.
keep the good work up, your music and videos are great- international.

kemmy said...

Banky, this is very well said.i just stumbled on ur blogspot, and i want to say that im really impressed by the reply you gave to the write up by Mr Abati.
it is refreshing to know we still have cool headed Nigerians, who wont take the liberty of being rude, despite some stones being thrown at them.
im an ardent fan, and i really want you to keep doing what you know how to do best. and pls do sing songs that will inspire and motivate the nigerian youths. you are a role model, you might just not know it yet. the sky is your starting point.

kemmy said...

you simply know what you are doing.
that's just it.

Adekemisola said...

i've read ur response once buh never dis full version. good job brov!
they shd know that for every 'bad' we 'do', we 'learnt' from 'em.

june said...

banky u said all i wld have,God bless you 4 ur unbiased response,u addressed issues without insulting mr abati and went ahead to apolgise if u are percieved as rude?that shows u were well brought up,and ur write up shows ur school fees not wasted.well mr abats oops!we understand u need to earn ur living and maybe get some attention buts please do ur research welu wel the internet is a good place to start or is ur gene barred frm using it?
4 u banky u hold mi rispect bro.

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