In Nigeria, it is normal to celebrate or praise people when they die. Popular Afrofusion artist Burna Boy berated this culture in his recently released album Love Damini. In his opinion, we must show people love while they are alive, he even blamed himself for not speaking to Sound Sultan before his death.
Excerpts from the song read: “I should have spoken to grandfather before it’s too late.
“I should have spoken to Sound Sultan more before he died. I should show people more love while they’re still alive.
“I should always know how my people feel inside. “I’m trying to be a better man, I’ve tried, I got it all, but I still have my anger.”
Olarewaju Abdul Ganiu Fassai, commonly known as Sound Sultan, was a Nigerian singer, rapper, and songwriter. He is considered one of the pioneers of hip-hop music in Nigeria. His songs usually contain strong messages, he spoke about various evils in society in his songs. He came into the limelight after his song jagbajantis became very popular. It came as a shock to Nigerians after the announcement of Sound Sultan’s death on July 11, 2021, at the age of 44 as a result of complications he suffered from throat cancer.
Celebrate people while they’re still alive, you never know when your final goodbyes might be.
