In this age of spin, and post-modern digital toxic world. It is increasingly difficult to discern the motive of people and what makes them tick.
The entertainment world is no different, as artists continually struggle to showcase their art and express their personal opinions on issues without the two conflicting.
The recent controversial takes by Brymo, regarding the 2023 elections, and his harsh words to the Igbo tribe have generated a lot of heat on both social and mainstream media.
Don’t respect my intelligence nor choices… you are trying to not accept resolve… argue more then… pls …. It is not prudent to elect him yet, he may have to vividly organise his home-front to lead rest of us… an Igbo VP first maybe to test the waters with the region is safer! https://t.co/Uyk1AzVX5x
— Ọláwálé Ọlọ́fọ̀ọrọ̀ (@BrymOlawale) December 31, 2022
Fuck The Ndi Igbo !! .. To Hell With It!! https://t.co/mY2TDGmYZo
— Ọláwálé Ọlọ́fọ̀ọrọ̀ (@BrymOlawale) January 8, 2023
Many would argue that this being an election year was a great contributing factor to this issue. The stakes are high, and top figures’ opinions would get serious engagement, which it did.
"We know Brymo likes to talk…His tweet was disgusting"
— 🐬 @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) January 13, 2023
– Kachi Offiah pic.twitter.com/dPc1VDc2Ot
There has been a petition calling for him to be stripped of his AFRIMA 2023 nomination for Songwriter of the Year, due to his comments on Twitter. Though, a counter-petition was launched to protect him from the alleged bullying from individuals in cyberspace.
I’m a proud Yoruba boy and I just signed this petition. You should do too. Bigotry & tribalism shouldn’t be condoned. https://t.co/wIKvMPAsCo
— Don Corleone🌹 (@DonCorleone707) January 10, 2023
Support BRYMO to win the All Africa Music Award for Song Writer f the Year – Sign the Petition! https://t.co/NXXbjuQKzv via @changeorgng
— AYENI Ibrahim ACA, CNA 🇳🇬🇷🇺 (@ibro_ayeni) January 12, 2023
The real question here is can we separate the art from the artist?
In the words of the late American rapper Juice Wrld, ‘It is hard to separate the art from the artist.’ This may prove to be impossible in this era of cancel culture, many can’t, as the artist is seen as a medium by which the art is expressed. Some think the artist and art are one, others see the artist as an extension of the art, and a select few see them as different entities.
But be that as it may, the artist and art have a place in society. These entities help to shape the sociocultural setting of any given society. The place of art cannot be overemphasised, for if art cannot inspire art, then what is the fate of a society where creativity has no bearing?
I dare say such a society is doomed, we need both the art and the artist, for they inspire us, lead us, guide us, enlighten us and to many serve as some form of moral compass.
According to French author Andre Gide, “Art is a collaboration between God and the artist, and the less the artist does the better.” So, you could say that art has some divine providence, even Fela believed that music was a spiritual thing, so invariably art is spiritual.
We should understand that artists are humans too. Despite all the celebrity worship, fame, wealth and god-like pedestal we place on them. They make mistakes as we do, they have their bias, flaws, troubles and weaknesses like every other person. The only difference is the opportunity they have harnessed for their greatness.
According to American opera singer Jessye Norman, “If I were not able to separate the art from the artists, I think I would limit myself a great deal, and life wouldn’t be nearly as interesting.” We should learn to appreciate art regardless of the artist for the artist can get corrupted but art is forever.
Let the artist be who they are outside the art and do what they want. We should instead discern what is for the good of all and what is for the grandeur of one.
Artists should take cognisance of the fact that life is fickle, technology updates, opinions evolve, and elections come and go. But in all, change is the only constant factor in this equation called life and what speaks for you in all sincerity is the impact you made on people and society. So, you have to be mindful of the things you say, do or encourage with your words or art.
Mind what you are preaching .. election will come and go,we all will move on …But you decided to be a tribal bigot because you think you are getting some attention by insulting a particular region of Nigeria and some people are praising you. as an artiste I’m only disappointed
— Rudeboy (@rudeboypsquare) January 8, 2023
In the end, what matters is the legacy you leave behind. Do hope we all take heed.