Over the past decade, the conversation on social media has shifted. Due to the negative effects of it, social media now raises more questions than it provides answers. While the demerits of it are completely valid, there are moments when social media proves its merit in a major way – and this is often through influencing change and reforms. This has been on display in this month of October, during which a Nigerian revolution has found a home in the cell phones and desktops of many. This revolution goes by the name of #endSARS, and it has captured the world’s attention.
What Is the #endSARS Movement in Nigeria?
#endSARS is a movement that seeks to bring about the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). SARS is responsible for a long list of abuses suffered by the Nigerian youth populace. These abuses include human rights violations, illegal arrests and detentions, extrajudicial killings, sexual harassment of women and brutalizing of young Nigerian men.
The movement began in 2017 and reached a fever pitch this year on Oct. 20. That morning, peaceful protesters went to a toll gate in Lekki, Lagos, to hold a peaceful demonstration. In the evening, the Nigerian Army opened fire on the peaceful unarmed protesters, resulting in 12 documented killings (possibly more) and several more injuries.
The response was deafening. Voices from all corners of the world have a defiant message of support for the Nigerian people and against the Government. However, one voice rose above the rest; and the emotion behind it provided a mirror into the hearts and souls of a broken people:
Burna Boy may be the most important artist to come out of Africa in a long, long time…
The metric determining an artist’s importance is is often their crossover appeal. However, the reason for my assessment of Burna is the impact and the ownership of his purpose.
Since he took on his role as an African Giant in 2019, Burna Boy has spent his time spreading the message of a unified Africa – an Africa that not only understands its boundless potential, but also one that understands the role leadership can play in breaking the people’s spirits.
The image that is coming out of Nigeria right now is one of broken spirits, and Burna Boy has stepped in as a natural leader – mobilizing, showing the way, and using his voice to spread his message. This was on display during his performance at the BET Awards, where he performed ‘Monsters You Made’, a song on which he collaborated with Chris Martin from Coldplay:
Little did Burna Boy know just how much relevance this song would come to hold just three months subsequent to its July release.
It is in large part due to the spirit of Burna Boy and fellow artists like Banky W and Mr. Eazi that the #endSARS movement has gained so much traction in Nigeria, and worldwide. Their vigilance and commitment to the cause showcase the responsibility that fame and fortune brings. To reach such a state of mind must entail an artist to take stewardship of the well-being of the people over whom they have influence. Thankfully, the responses to these injustices signal a trend of artists being politically and socially aware. All over the world, artists have spoken against SARS and their voices have been instrumental in bringing change.
What Kind of Change?
On Oct. 11, Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police announced the dissolution of SARS. As much as this sounds like a positive step in the right direction, Nigerians are now the wiser – after all, this is not the first ‘announcement’ of its kind that their government has made. There is probably as much chance of SARS being dissolved at this stage as there is of General Abacha’s looted wealth being returned to the Nigerian people.
However, the statement by the IG of Police signals something: the pressure is working. And the pressure must be maintained. In Burna Boy’s words:
“If nothing changes after this, if this doesn’t work, then it is over […] This is possibly the most important moment of Nigeria’s history.“
Today, there exists a rare opportunity to bring about true reform in Nigeria. Burna Boy and other Nigerian artists are capitalizing on the moment very vocally and effectively, ensuring the movement will not lose momentum any time soon.
