As Nigeria marks Democracy Day 2025 on June 12, there is a sober reflection that differs from the usual celebrations, infused by a powerful counter current: music and protest.
Nigerian artists, long seen as cultural icons, once again emerged as the conscience of the people, raising their voices not on stage, but in solidarity with citizens demanding genuine democracy.
Here are ten powerful moments when Nigerian artists turned Democracy Day into a day of defiance.
1. Falz: Still Marching for the People
Four years after leading anti-government protests in Lagos in 2021, Falz continued his unflinching critique of bad governance. In 2025, he released a spoken word video titled “Democrazy: Reloaded”, calling out injustice and state failure. “Democracy without dignity is dictatorship,” he declared.
2. Tiwa Savage: From Mic to Movement
In 2025, Tiwa Savage didn’t just trend for a new single—she joined a peaceful sit-in at Ojota, Lagos, alongside market women and youth activists. Her slogan: “No electricity, no democracy.” Her activism sparked a viral hashtag: #TiwaForTruth.
3. Falz Again: The X-Factor
Falz doubled down with a fiery post on X (formerly Twitter), calling out “cosmetic reforms” and questioning Tinubu’s leadership. He asked: “Who exactly is democracy serving in this country?” The tweet hit over 1 million impressions within hours.
4. Mr Macaroni: Comedy Meets Courage
Comedian-turned-activist Mr. Macaroni was back in the trenches in 2025. At a protest in Ikeja, he addressed a live crowd: “If it’s truly a government of the people, then listen to the people!” He later revealed that he had turned down a state-sponsored Democracy Day performance.
5. Yemi Alade: “Dem Don Craze!”
Afropop queen Yemi Alade posted a viral video performing a satirical remix titled “Dem Don Craze?” blending Fuji and satire, the lyrics mocked high food prices and power blackouts. The video sparked an online challenge—with thousands of fans joining in with protest remixes.
6. Juwon Sanyaolu: The Artist Behind Bars
Artist-activist Comrade Juwon, leading the Take It Back Movement, was arrested yet again on June 12, 2025. His crime? Organizing a peaceful art protest titled “The Constitution is a Cage.” His arrest sparked widespread criticism from international human rights groups.
7. The Street Power of Sit-ins
Artists like Eedris Abdulkareem and spoken word poet Dike Chukwumerije joined socialist groups FIWON and TIB in a nationwide sit-in, using live poetry and music to dramatize the pain of joblessness and economic hardship. “This is not entertainment—it’s enlightenment,” said Eedris.
8. Students Remix the Movement
Student activists in Lagos and Abuja, many of them underground rappers and DJs, launched mobile “Mic for Change” rallies on campus. Mixing protest poetry with Fuji beats, they demanded better education and living conditions.
9. Diaspora Artists Rise in Sync
From New York to London, Nigerian artists abroad—like rapper Lady Donli and visual artist Laolu NYC—joined democracy solidarity rallies. Placards like “End Fraudulent Constitution Now!” appeared alongside live sets and protest art in Washington Square Park and Trafalgar Square.
10. Silence as Protest
Many A-list artists—Burna Boy, Olamide, Waje, and Rema—boycotted official Democracy Day concerts. Behind the scenes, insiders revealed that these artists declined performance requests in silent protest over broken political promises post-#EndSARS.
Why It Matters
Democracy Day has become a mirror, reflecting both Nigeria’s gains and deepening cracks.
Artists are no longer just entertainers—they are now cultural critics, community advocates, and cata, lysts for reform.
From Lagos to London, protest is global—showing the world that Nigerian creatives will not be silenced.
Final Word: Democracy in Rehearsal?
June 12, 2025, didn’t just spotlight democracy—it sparked a remix of it. These artists didn’t just question the state of the nation; they demanded a rewriting of its lyrics. And if their actions are any sign, Nigeria’s rhythm for real change is only just beginning.
