Nigeria: "A Collateral Damage of a Failed Enterprise," Says Burna Boy, Condemning Colonial Past | #NwokeukwuMascot

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Nigeria: A Collateral Damage, Says Burna Boy | #NwokeukwuMascot

Burna Boy

Nigerian music icon, Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, has offered a poignant critique of Nigeria's state, describing the nation as "collateral damage" in a reflective interview with Tidal on Friday. The Grammy-winning artist, renowned for his forthright views, delved into the deep-seated issues plaguing the country, particularly its cultural diversity, which he argues has hindered rather than fostered national growth.

Burna Boy expressed grave concern over Nigeria's socio-political landscape, emphasizing the detrimental impact of poor governance and external influences on the nation and its citizens. He highlighted how Nigeria's current challenges are a direct result of these factors, which have left the country and its people bearing the brunt of decisions made by those in power, both locally and globally.

The Afro-fusion star's comments have ignited widespread debate on social media, with many Nigerians resonating with his call for greater accountability and leadership. Burna Boy's remarks underscore his ongoing commitment to addressing the systemic issues facing the country and his desire for a future where Nigeria is no longer treated as expendable in the broader context of international and domestic affairs.

In the interview, Burna Boy traced Nigeria's origins back to colonial times, asserting that the country was never intended to exist as it does today.

He described Nigeria as "nothing but the result of a bad business enterprise entered into by the British," pointing to the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern regions by the Royal Niger Company as a pivotal moment in the nation's history.

According to Burna Boy, this amalgamation, which led to the creation of Nigeria, was driven by economic interests rather than the welfare of the people who lived in the region.

He stated that "the area called Nigeria was first known as the Niger Area before the Royal Niger Company acquired it. After it was acquired, the Royal Niger Company decided to amalgamate the North and South instead of running them as separate entities, and it was at this point that the country Nigeria was birthed."

Burna Boy further argued that "when the amalgamation was going to happen, the Niger Company and the British who sold Nigeria didn’t take into consideration those living in the region. The two entities that sold and bought the Niger Area, the people living there were nothing but collateral damage."

His candid reflections have sparked a renewed conversation about Nigeria's colonial past and its lingering effects on the present-day challenges facing the country. As Burna Boy continues to use his platform to speak out on these issues, his words serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for a Nigeria that prioritizes the well-being and future of its citizens.

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