Why Nigeria’s Music Industry Needs More Documentaries
The Nigerian music industry has seen remarkable growth, with artists like Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, and Tiwa Savage gaining international acclaim. However, it still lacks in one key area: music documentaries. Unlike the US and other countries with a rich tradition of music documentaries, Nigeria has only a few. Here are five reasons why the Nigerian music industry would benefit from more documentaries:
Preserving Musical History
Music documentaries serve as a historical record, capturing an artist’s journey, struggles, and successes. For instance, “The Beatles: Eight Days a Week” by Ron Howard provides an intimate look at the Beatles’ early years, and “Fela Kuti: Music is the Weapon” by Jean-Jacques Flori chronicles the life of the Nigerian legend, Fela Kuti. Similar documentaries in Nigeria can help preserve the rich history of its music and the legacies of its artists.
Inspiring and Educating Future Generations
Documentaries offer valuable insights into the creative process, the music business, and cultural contexts. Films like “Amy” by Asif Kapadia, which tells the story of Amy Winehouse, and “The Legend of Osita Osadebe” by Obi Emelonye, showcasing Nigerian highlife musician Osita Osadebe, can inspire and educate young artists. Sharing the stories of Nigerian musicians can motivate and guide new talents.
Gaining Global Recognition
Documentaries can introduce Nigerian music to a global audience. “The Art of Rap” by Ice-T features interviews with international rappers, including Nigeria’s M.I Abaga, showcasing hip-hop’s global influence. Similarly, “The Definitive Guide to Femi Kuti” by Jürgen Schadeberg highlights Femi Kuti’s career, demonstrating the international appeal of Nigerian music. Such documentaries can attract international attention and foster collaborations.
Exploring Cultural Significance
Music documentaries can delve into the cultural impact of Nigerian music on society. “The Clash: Westway to the World” by Don Letts examines punk rock’s cultural context and its influence on social movements. A documentary on Nigerian music could explore its role in shaping the country’s identity, politics, and social movements, providing a deeper understanding of Nigeria’s history and society.
Economic Benefits
Music documentaries can generate revenue and create jobs. “Stop Making Sense” by Jonathan Demme, featuring the Talking Heads, has become a cult classic, generating significant revenue. Similarly, a well-produced music documentary in Nigeria could attract funding, create job opportunities, and stimulate investment in the music sector.
These documentaries are vital for the continued growth of Nigeria’s music industry. They can help preserve musical history, inspire new generations, attract global recognition, explore cultural significance, and bring economic benefits. It’s time for filmmakers, musicians, and industry stakeholders to collaborate on producing high-quality documentaries that showcase Nigeria’s rich musical heritage.
