By Shittu Ahmed Obassa
The decision of Abdallah Uba Adamu, a dual professor emeritus who recently relinquished his professorship at Bayero University, to decline participation in the proposed conference on Dauda Kahutu Rarara, a Hausa musician known for praise-singing political office holders, garnered widespread acclaim. Scholars and intellectuals of note, including the former Vice Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), dismissed the conference idea, arguing that Rarara doesn't meet the criteria of a Hausa musician worthy of recognition.
Following my consideration of Adamu's perspective on Rarara, I inferred that he was unwilling to associate with what he perceived as mediocrity under the guise of promoting Hausa culture and heritage, which is already rich without Rarara's contributions. Upon listening to Rarara's music, I find myself unfavorably impressed, unlike when I listen to notable musicians such as the late Alhaji Musa Dan Kwairo, Alhaji Dan Anace, Alhaji Mamman Shata, the late Hassan Wayam, the late Ali Makaho, and the late Hajiya Barmani Coge, whose music typically conveys transformative messages to their immediate environment.
The departure from the traditional pattern of Hausa music, which often imparts moral lessons through wisdom, suggests that Rarara's style may take longer to gain appreciation due to its sole focus on politicians and political office holders. Should politicians lose power in the near future, Rarara's relevance would likely diminish, underscoring the need for him to serve as a societal conscience, even as he seeks financial gain from politicians.
His recent performance in Abuja commemorating Democracy Day lacked the impact that could have been achieved by conscientizing both leaders and ordinary citizens about pertinent issues. In a notable contrast, during the World Cup opening ceremony, David Adeleke (Davido), a prominent figure in Afrobeats, utilized his stage attire to draw attention to the recent kidnapping of children and teachers in Oyo State's Oriire Local Government Area, thereby leveraging his platform for social awareness amidst the global football event. Musicians should prioritize conveying meaningful messages to their audience through their work. Thus, with the Democracy Day celebration having concluded, it is pertinent to question the efficacy and impact of Rarara's performance beyond its financial gains.
ANN Politics
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Opinion