2face Could Have Been A Future Contender Of A Nobel Prize If

In 1913, Bengali Polymath, Rabindranath Tagore was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature, ‘because of his profoundly sensitive, fresh and beautiful verse, by which, with consummate skill, he has made his poetic thought, expressed in his own English words, a part of the literature of the West’. Tagore was a songwriter whose unique poetic overtone hitherto defines Indian and Bengali musical arts. With over a century gap between, the American Songwriter Bob Dylan won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2016 ‘for having created new poetic expressions within the great American Song.’

The above facts have been stated quite clearly to show those who may laugh off the title of this article that Songwriters, like novelists, playwrights and poets, still have a stake in the most distinguish literary prize.

Nigeria's 2face Idibia

Nigeria’s 2face is a Songwriter and an award-winning singer, whose songs (especially ‘African Queen’) have earned him the trademark as Nigeria’s finest artist. His songs – since the beginning of the last decade – have continued to revolutionize Africa’s singing culture.

But recently, he could have added another glory to his crown – by being a future contender of a Nobel Prize either in peace or in literature – if he had carried on with his planned protest of showcasing to the world the hardship this dispensation chaired by Buhari has melted on Nigerians across the social strata.

2face’s protest had become necessary. It came up at that time the downtrodden were yawning for an intervention to address the hike of the prices of market commodities which stood above hundred percent. This protest, if it was not aborted, could have exposed our sufferings to the world and then channelled 2face to the highest international recognition which could have earned him a spot in the Nobel Prize constellation.

But amid threats and counter-threats, the protest was cancelled, and I do not blame 2face for his action. At least, he deserves accolade for taking the bold steps to announce a protest. For me, he has already shown his disapproval. With the secret threats he received and open intimidations he received from the government and even compatriots, it was enough to put an end to an already publicized protest. Yet, I must say here that if he should have continued with the protest, he may have earned the respect of the Swedish Academy or the Norwegians.