President of Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Hon. Keston Okoro, has reacted to the cancelled nationwide protest planned by Tuface Idibia and the brewing bad-blood between some musicians in the country and the government.
Hon. Okoro told DAILY POST correspondent he believes musicians hold the power to inspire change in the society but he would not subscribe to distancing oneself from the government or engaging in open confrontation with those in governance to compel a change in policy as demonstrated by Afrobeat musician, Dede Mabiaku; and multiple award-winning music legend, Tuface Idibia in the past few days
He stated this when our correspondent spoke to him to get his views on the ongoing schisms between some artistes and the government.
The PMAN President said: “If you heard my presentation on the day I was elected, I did tell the house that the first thing I want to do is to have a meeting with the Senate president, Bukola Saraki; the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Kpotum Idris; the Director of State Security Service, Mallam Daura; and the President, Muhammadu Buhari.
“The reason is this; if you’re not in the system, you can’t change the system.
“On the issue of the canceled protest, if you want to protect your interest and see changes in your welfare and in your environment, you have to stay close to the government to be able to tell them this and that are not fair. Not by fighting the government or alienating yourself from the powers that be.
“The fifth President of America once said: “The future of a nation depends on providing our children basic education that includes music.” That is to show you how powerful music is. Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Donald Duke and a host of other world leaders were musicians.
“So instead of fighting the government or protesting against the government, we’ll find a way to tell Mr. President that musicians are partners in the quest for good governance, because music has the power inspire change, music is life itself.”
