The alarming rate at which drug abuse is conspicuously causing destruction in society today, especially among musicians is extremely worrisome and calls for concern. Though it is not restricted to the youths alone, it is more widespread among them.
Given the seriousness of the situation, multitalented actor cum University of Lagos lecturer, Tunji Sotimirin, as a parent, a creative artiste and don who constantly interacts with the youths, rather than lament and complain about this negative development decided to do something practical and beneficial to the public with a song titled Ibosi (Scream).
According to him, musicians abuse drugs to subdue stage fright and repress tension. Hence, this can also account for the senseless lyrics, obscenities, sexuality and immorality contained in some of their music.
In a proposal to the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), with a e-copy made available to The Guardian, the don said, “This is no doubt a condemnable influence on so many youths who are found in broad daylight abusing drugs on the streets, while many of them have become emotionally erratic as a result of the act. Rather than complain and lament about this negative development in our communities, it is important to do something practical and beneficial to the public.”
“I have therefore recorded a song and also shot the video of the music titled Ibosi, which is a Yoruba word, connote ‘scream’. Let’s scream to condemn drug abuse. This is my own way of using music as a tool for social mobilisation and information dissemination in order to create public awareness about the significance of message therein.
“I therefore would be very much delighted to seek your kind support and collaboration with me in any way you can on this project, so that, together, we can save our society from this continuous havoc. Kindly find below some relevant information about me and my works,” the proposal read.
Sotimirin is a name that cannot be ignored when talking about the contemporary Nigerian movie industry, stage plays and performances.
He’s one of the ‘godfathers’ of live Theatre.
The award winning, multi-talented actor, who is as old as the Nigerian creative industry, has remained relevant till date, and on top of his game generation after generation. His vast experience in the entertainment industry cut across virtually all known media of information (stage, television and radio).
A comedian, dancer, singer, television and radio host, he coordinated and performed in a recording of traditional music, for the London based, Soul Jazz Records; played lead roles and has directed many stage, film and television productions which include: Death & The King’s Horseman, Molue – a solo performance; Rhythm of Hope, Andora Goes Kinshasha, The Boat, A Raisin In The Sun, Jankariwo, Budiso.
Others are What The Butttler Saw (London) Belong, Beautification Of An Area Boy, Dialing Love, and Askari, The Lion and the Jewel, At Peace (Republic Of Ireland) Yemoja, Pandora’s Box (London), The Kalakutans, Okiriko and Child Internationale amongst others.
