A Clarion Call for Harmony
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“In a world teeming with dissonance, the quest for harmony becomes not just a desire but a dire necessity. It is with profound humility and purpose that I announce the release of my single, “Black And Afraid (I Just Want To Live),” now available on Spotify, Apple Music, and all major streaming platforms. As Leap Day marks the culmination of February, I am grateful this piece has found its way into the world before we transition from Black History Month. I am eager to contribute this song as a beacon of light and an addition to the movement dedicated to amplifying the voices of the oppressed.
Why “Black And Afraid”? In 2020, as the world confronted the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns, and social reckoning, I underwent an introspection that was both painful and necessary. In the quiet, fears that often lay dormant surged to the forefront, compelling me to confront the enduring injustices and systemic oppression that plague our society. This period led me to reflect more deeply on the state of our world—a world that, according to Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., judges people by their skin color rather than the content of their character. It’s a world where the poor grow poorer, conflicts escalate, insecurity is rampant, and we drown in ignorance despite being surrounded by a sea of information at our fingertips.
When we recite The Lord’s Prayer, we ask for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. God’s kingdom, however, a realm where His will presides in perfect harmony, starkly contrasts the discord-ridden reality that pervades our world today. Since childhood, I have held an unwavering hope that by the time I matured into adulthood, the world would have become a peaceful place where everyone lives harmoniously. Yet, this hope has been repeatedly dashed by daily events, acts of cruelty, injustice, and discrimination based on race, nationality, religion, and more.
Drawing on the insights of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, it’s clear that humanity craves happiness, fulfillment, love, belonging, meaning, purpose, security, safety, health, well-being, freedom, autonomy, growth, achievement, and most importantly, peace and harmony. Despite this understanding, we continue to engage in actions that sow division, conflict, and destruction. Why do we persist on this destructive path?
This destructive path is not limited to global issues. In my home country, internal racism and tribalism, such as those witnessed during the last Nigerian Presidential Elections, are rampant. Nigerian politicians, who oppress and suffocate their citizens, perpetuate this narrative of patience while living in affluence—a narrative I’ve heard since childhood, now at nearly 42 years old, remains unchanged.
This song transcends a mere response to specific events or individuals; it is a commentary on the state of our world. It challenges each of us to introspect on our roles within these dynamics, questioning who we might be oppressing—intentionally or unintentionally—and highlighting the undeniable truth that oppression diminishes us all. Who are you holding down? Your brother? Sister? Someone you envy? A rival? A colleague? A friend? My people have a saying: “When you pin someone to the ground with the intention of preventing them from standing up, you yourself must remain on the ground.” The truth is, when you oppress someone, you’re not just keeping them down; you’re staying down with them. Every oppressor, supremacist, wicked dictator, and evil leader almost always resorts to ungodly and unlawful means to perpetuate their oppression. They all trade in hate, fearmongering, and choking the life out of their people.
“Black And Afraid (I Just Want To Live)” is my personal cry, a clarion call, a provocative and poignant picture of the evil some human beings face daily. It is a call to all people of goodwill to continue the fight for a better world. A world where the dreams of young men to fall in love, become granddads, and bury their parents at a ripe old age can come to pass. This is not just another socially conscious song; it is a wake-up call. Through this song, I call upon everyone, especially those wielding power, to eschew hate, fearmongering, and suppression, and to embrace the principles of love, justice, and equity. Addressing macro issues necessitates micro adjustments in our behavior, morals, intellect, spirituality, and psychology. It prompts us to reflect on whom we might be oppressing—be it a friend, rival, or even ourselves. For in the act of oppression, we not only hold others down but also anchor ourselves to the ground.
This song is more than a socially conscious anthem; it is a wake-up call to action, a plea for change, and a hymn for hope. Together, we can forge a path toward a world where harmony prevails over discord, and equality supersedes oppression. Let’s unite our voices for change and, together, amplify our call for harmony and end all forms of oppression, racism, inequality, and discrimination. Our collective action can pave the way for a world rooted in peace and understanding—a world where every voice is heard, and every dream has the chance to flourish.
Thank you for lending your ears to my work and for your unwavering support. I invite you to listen, reflect, and share this song with your friends and family.
