Dream - About the Playlist

I wanted to curate a playlist during this election time that would inspire us to dream of a better America but with all that is happening and has happened in Nigeria, I wanted to insert Nigeria into the conversation and show through music that we’re all connected in what we are striving for and dreaming of. Through this playlist, I’m seeking to tell three stories. A Nigerian story, an American story, and how those stories are connected. 

It’s Okay to Dream

Sometimes I feel bad for dreaming or thinking of a world that is even the slightest bit better than it is now. I’ve definitely felt some “dreamer” hate lol Is it so bad to want to see some change? I don’t think so and I feel like God gives us room to dream, use our imagination, and seek Him in how to make actual change. Of course, those dreams need to be laid at his feet along with everything else. Regardless He is with us in all of it. So this playlist is a reminder to allow yourself to dream!  

Creating from a Place of Hopefulness

This Dream playlist is very special to me because of the Nigerian component mixed with the American component. I was able to kind of display through music the duality of being Black in America but also Nigerian American at the same time. Throughout this playlist, I wanted to curate it from a place of hopefulness. I’m really trying to hold onto the hope we have in Christ because we have so much. I read somewhere that it is not every day we have to create from pain sometimes we create from joy and hope and we should strive to do that when we can.

Water No Get Enemy and Aimasiko Explained

I wanted to walk through two of the Nigerian songs to provide some context and translations! Water No Get Enemy provides a contrast to those songs by bringing Nigerian influences within the group of instrument driven pieces. Water no get enemy, water does not have an enemy, water is always useful and will always be important. Now with the metaphor for Black people I feel like he’s pointing to the resilience and necessity of Black people. Much like water, we will always be around and there is no getting rid of us so might as well get with the demands of the people sooner or later lol

Aimasiko is a beautiful song about God being in control. “Aimasiko lo'n damu eda o, oro mi lowo Oluwa lo wa” roughly means “we fret unduly because the future is hidden from us, but God is in control of everything concerning us.” I love that Nigerians look to God for help and that we have so much belief that He will change things. That’s so important and throughout the past few weeks I’ve gained a greater appreciation for that part of my culture. We will never leave God out in our fight for justice or a better life because we understand those things can only be found in Him and come from him.

Check out this playlist and let me know what you think!