What I Want in 2017
New years tend to carry with them a degree of refreshment and optimism. The addition of an extra digit to the year gives the feel of a comfort blanket- an opportunity to rise above the travails and adversity from the previous year and a blank slate- the chance to start again. Below I will list 7 things I want to see in 2017;
Nigerian creatives being less thin skinned
As a result of the claustrophobic nature of the Nigerian creative industry, a lot of the people who should do the job of keeping creatives in check have become too close to the people they should be covering and thus, neglected their jobs. Critics exist to keep the creatives on their toes the same way the judiciary and legislature help keep the executive in check. In 2017, I want to see more constructive criticism across the different forms of media and I also want to see the content creators being less thin skinned and stop making their displeasure so obvious.
Actual change from President Buhari
When the First Lady, Aisha Buhari spoke out against the President she was speaking the minds of most Nigerians. After campaigning on the premise of Change, the President has literally created a Nigeria similar to the one he left when deposed by Babangida in 1985. It is imperative that the precarious economic situation does not continue any longer. For that to happen, the President needs to actually change. The biddable Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele needs to be rid of his unduly protectionist tendencies or tossed to the unemployment heap. More needs to be done to encourage foreign investors and ease the flow of business. 2017 will effectively form a final window for actual work before the politicking for the next election cycle begins. If he wants to seek a second term, he has to win Nigerians over. And the members of his government who do not agree with the path he’s taken should please speak up and resign from their roles instead of going with this sinking ship.
More success in Nigerian football
The Super Falcons did what they do in 2016. As did the Dream Team. 2017 will start on a bad note as the Super Eagles will be absent at the African Cup of Nations. However, it’s mildly exciting that there are two young Nigerian footballers at two of the biggest clubs in England. Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi (cue mention of being Jay Jay Okocha’s nephew) has the right balance of skill, intelligence and humility to suggest that he will be here for a long time. For Kelechi Iheanacho, being the understudy to Sergio Aguero, constantly taking his chances and securing the trust of Pep Guardiola will definitely stand him in good stead as he seeks to make the progression from ingenue to the frontline. Ahmed Musa has some gears to go at champions, Leicester City and there’s also been a degree of promise shown by Watford’s Isaac Success. I look forward to seeing more Nigerians make the necessary strides footballistically. Sidebar: Leicester have signed another Nigerian- Wilfred Ndidi.
Kanye West being less problematic
When you stan for an artist, it falls under your job description to humanise them. You take pride in their joys and rationalise their falls. Being a Kanye West stan became less fun in 2016- the music lacked the punch that his previous work did suggesting he was dialling it in. I’m wont to disagreeing with those who think he might have lost the ability to rap- my reading is that knowing his legacy is generally secure, he’s more consumed by the general sonic direction and less bogged down with lyrics. His performance on Schoolboy Q’s THat Part gave me the impression that his intention is more to create memorable verses that ring off in arenas and the clubs than the type of content that would impress critics. Whilst I have digressed, the general point is that the music was not amazing enough to excuse his endorsement of Ian Connor, Bill Cosby and Donald Trump. Perhaps it’s him living up to the lyrics on Can’t Tell Me Nothing of “acting more stupidly” but he has gone overboard in keeping to his role of acting as a provocateur. Whilst not going to the extent of demanding the old Kanye, I want a Kanye West that doesn’t make it impossible to defend him.
Seeing what Falz does next
Culture Custodian worked on creating an ebook reviewing 2016 that ended up on the drawing board. Folarin ‘Falz’ Falana was billed as ‘Man of the Year’. In 2016, Falz’ work ethic was unparalleled. He essentially dropped two albums and had a role in/on the top 2 verses of 2016 (For the record, they are Falz on Bad Gang and Davido on Bahd, Baddo, Baddest). He furthered his acting career and also made one of the most compelling Nigerian music videos of 2016 with Soldier and cleaned up the awards. He diversified his content by creating a stream of songs that display his lyrical ability coupled with a witty, satirical edge. He has worked hard and smart and ensured that he’s in the conversation for being one of the Top 5 artists in the country suggesting he’s a very strategic thinker. It will be interesting to see how he goes about his business in 2017 and deepens his influence.
Real estate developer Donald Trump, gestures during a news conference with the PGA in New York May 1, 2014. New Jersey’s Trump National Golf Club, a course owned by Trump, will host the 2022 PGA Championship. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid (UNITED STATES – Tags: SPORT GOLF BUSINESS ENTERTAINMENT SOCIETY) – RTR3NFFK
Donald Trump being less Donald Trump
Maybe, this is asking for too much. In his bid to become President, Trump tore up the rule book of what a potential President should do. Since becoming President elect, he has doubled down on his man baby act. No one has the slightest clue what a Trump presidency will be like as he seems to have backed down on a lot of the points that anchored his campaign. The hope is that somehow, the sensible people around him find a way to prevent him from his worst enemy- himself.
Nollywood hitting higher heights
When Half of A Yellow Sun dropped in 2014, the roll out was quite the car crash. At the time, because of the subject matter- the regulatory bodies conspiring against it, poor distribution and scheduling, it failed to make the sort of impact anticipated for it. The box office takings were meagre and the fear was that it would have a negative impact on Nollywood’s evolution. Film insiders would be better placed to talk about this but to my eyes, there has been an overall uptick in the Nigerian film industry. The movies have gotten better as they are better financed and directed whilst still retaining focus on the most important factor: the story. The stories have been on themes that Nigerians find resonant. The hope and expectation is that 2017 would see Nollywood hitting greater heights.
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