As Nigeria youth gears up ahead of the nationwide protest scheduled for August 1, 2024, a noticeable silence has emerged from some of the country’s once vocal celebrities.
Celebrities who previously championed social justice and mobilized the public during earlier demonstrations now appear to be stepping back or remaining conspicuously silent. This shift has sparked concerns among activists and citizens who are rallying for systemic change.
In recent years, Nigerian celebrities like Falz, Tiwa Savage, and Banky W were prominent faces of national protests. Falz, a rapper and activist, was notably active during the #EndSARS protests against police brutality in 2020.
Tiwa Savage who also lent her voice, using her platform to bring attention to the issues. Similarly, Banky W, an actor and musician, was engaged in mobilizing support and calling for action. Their involvement was instrumental in bringing international attention to the protests and amplifying the public’s demand for reform.
However, as the new protest date approaches, these celebrities have noticeably reduced their public engagement on the issue. While their reasons for withdrawing from the limelight remain unclear, their absence is palpable. This retreat contrasts sharply with the role of celebrities in recent global protests, particularly in Kenya, where the involvement of high-profile figures has significantly influenced the success of their demonstrations.
In Kenya, the celebrity participation in protests has been robust and impactful. During the recent demonstrations against high living costs and government corruption, Kenyan celebrities such as Sauti Soul and Lupita Nyong’o were vocal and visible. Their support helped to galvanize public opinion and exert pressure on the government, showcasing the potent role celebrities can play in shaping the direction and effectiveness of social movements.
The difference in the levels of celebrity engagement between Nigeria and Kenya highlights a critical issue. In Kenya, the active involvement of celebrities contributed to a more unified and focused protest effort, demonstrating the potential power of celebrity influence in advancing social and political causes. The contrast with Nigeria’s current scenario raises questions about the reasons behind the muted response from its celebrities and what impact this may have on the upcoming protest.
The celebrity silence in Nigeria could be due to a range of factors, including fear of backlash, political or personal considerations, or a strategic decision to avoid conflict. However, their reduced visibility has left many questioning whether their previous activism was a momentary stance rather than a sustained commitment to social justice.
As the August 1 protest looms, the role of celebrities in Nigeria remains under scrutiny. The absence of these influential figures could affect the protest’s momentum and public perception. It is crucial for activists and organizers to address this challenge and find ways to engage the broader community in pushing for meaningful change.
The situation calls for a reassessment of the role of public figures in social movements and the impact of their involvement—or lack thereof. As Nigeria looks to its past for inspiration and its future for direction, the effectiveness of its protests will likely be influenced by the level of celebrity engagement and public support.
Moreover, the shifting dynamics of celebrity involvement in Nigeria’s protest landscape highlight a significant challenge.
Comparing this with the successful engagement of celebrities in Kenya underscores the importance of high profile support in driving social change and achieving protest objectives.
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