22nd January, 2018
Nigerian musician Olamide Adedeji aka Baddo, has called for an end to drug abuse following criticism currently trailing his song ‘science student’.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the song with the hastag #Sciencestudent is a Young John and BBanks produced track released by Olamide in 2018 after his hit single `WO’ which also trended like wild fire in 2017.
`Science Student’ according to Olamide also known as King of the street, discusses the rising rate of drug abuse in the society.
Most of his songs which depict happenings in the ghetto often are trailed with criticism and `Science student’ sang mostly in Yoruba is no exception.
The title of the song itself comes from the current trend of youths mixing different hard drugs in various quantities.
The YBNL boss in his reaction to the criticism said on his Instagram @baddosneh saying, “Since the release of #ScienceStudent, the support has been massive.
“As you are all sharing, dancing, singing along to this relatable music of mine, I want you all to take some time to reflect on the subject, say no to drug abuse.
“Don’t abuse alcohol. Stop mixing what you don’t know about. Live responsibly and drink responsibly.
“Don’t aspire the ‘highness state’ but a state of purpose fulfillment and passion discovery.
“Together let’s put an end to drug abuse and save as many lives as possible.
“The video will be out soon and I can’t wait for you all to see it. #SayNoToDrugAbuse#DrinkResponsibly #ScienceStudent,” Olamide added.
However, Don Pedro, filmmaker and communication expert has called for a ban on the song which has funny skits and the `shaku-shaku’ dance steps on Instagram.
Pedro who alleged that the song celebrates drug usage appeals to the National Broadcasting Commission for the ban.
“This song must not be allowed to hit the airwaves or any kind of wave.’
“He is speaking Yoruba, Yes, so you…. He is encouraging children to take Tramadol.
“He is encouraging the children to do monkey trail, that is, he is eulogizing all forms of illicit drugs and making it trendy’’, Pedro said.
Similarly, actress Lala Akinloju, has expressed concerns over the “disturbing trend’’ to promote drug and substances using music and dance in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
The actress who did not mentioned names on her instagram said that it was disturbing how people were feeling ~cool’ with such development.
“This encouragement and promotion to sue hard drugs and get `high’ under the influence in the name of song and dance is disturbing!
“What’s more disturbing is how comfortable all of us are with it.
“Me- I’m disturbed.’’
However, some fans have come to the defense of the ‘Shaku Shaku’ crooner by saying that the song teaches the society the effects of drug abuse.
Twitter user (Zainab Yetunde) said, – If you understand Yoruba, you should know Olamide wasn’t promoting drug use in anyway. He was actually talking about the effects of doing drugs. Abi, se mi o gbo Yoruba mo ni? #ScienceStudent.”
@makkymaksPls let’s stop this wokeness. The lyrics is not in anyway promoting drug use; But people always need to blame their problems on another person.”
Olamide, who raps mostly in Yoruba and has been described as the voice of the ghetto.
He recently bagged the ‘listener’s choice’ award at the just concluded Soundcity MVP awards.
The Bariga born artist, who has seven albums to his name, came into limelight in 2011 with his debut album ‘Rapsodi’ before starting his own label ‘YBNL’ in 2012.