Learn From Bob Marley, Stop Vulgar Music, King Wadada Advises Young Artists

Young Nigerian artists ought to take cues from Reggae maestro Bob Marley in composing their songs, says musician Austin Peter, popularly known as “King Wadada”.

Wadada, a Reggae artist himself, gave the advice in an interview on Thursday in Lagos to commemorate the 41st anniversary of the death of Bob Marley.

Bob Marley, who was born Feb. 6, 1945, died on May 11, 1981, at the age of 36 from cancer.

While he lived, he was considered as the most influential reggae star that used his music to fight against injustice, oppression and inequality in the society, regardless of race and religion.

Bob Marley’s positive lyrical content was far more impactful than what is obtainable now, noted King Wadada

He said musical videos with vulgar languages, obscene views now dominated the entertainment hub, urging musicians to learn from Marley’s music which were of sound moral values.

He said musicians must study Marley’s philosophy of music, his stage works, lyrics composition and his entire music style to improve on their art.

“Bob Marley was a great reggae musician whose music helped in upholding the moral fabric of the society, the younger generation artistes need to learn from his music.

“His music was such that was loaded with positive lyrical content and beautiful videos void of pornography and all manner of obscene views unlike what we have so rampant now.

“As musicians, we need to take cues from him, even though he is late, we can still learn from him by studying his works,” he said.

The artiste noted that the major problem in the reggae genre of music was that the media do not project it enough compared to hip-hop, juju, fuji and all.

He, however, urged the media to ensure that reggae music gained prominence.

“Our problem in the reggae industry is that the media has refused to play our music like the way they play fuji, juju, afrobeats, hip-hop and more.

“A lot of people believe that reggae music is dying but it is not true. Myself and a lot of my colleagues still produce reggae but the media prefer to play what the youths want to listen to.

“All music genres should be given equal attention,” he said.

Wadada disclosed that reggae musicians in Nigeria would be celebrating the life and times of Marley on May 14 at Ehis Hotel in Lagos.

He urged Nigerians to be part of the celebration.

(NAN)