Singer Blaqbonez has spoken about Nigeria’s political system and explained why he has never participated in elections in the country.
Speaking during an appearance on the Off The Record podcast, the rapper said he has lost faith in Nigeria’s future, adding that years of disappointment have shaped his outlook.
“I haven’t voted before,” Blaqbonez said.
Explaining his decision, he stated:
“I kind of feel like I clocked out of Nigeria. Too many things that I hoped would have happened haven’t happened, and I’m just like, this country is just bound to be like this.”
He also said he believes Nigeria’s leadership problems reflect the attitudes of citizens, adding that political parties do not change his perspective.
“I feel like our leaders are a representation of us. I don’t see any difference regardless of the party,” he stated.
Using a metaphor to explain his view, he added:
“There are so many branches of a tree if the root is rotten. So I feel like I don’t know if I believe in the vision of Nigeria. I feel like something drastic has to happen first for me to believe.”
During the conversation, the podcast host suggested that Nigeria might benefit from having a president below the age of 30. Blaqbonez replied, “That’s not happening.”
The host also spoke about the need for younger leadership across African countries, saying, “The change that we would need to see, especially in African countries, would need to come from this generation. But why can we never get a young candidate?”
Blaqbonez later joked about possibly entering politics in the future after the suggestion.
“Maybe it’s my job to save the country,” he said, before adding, “Because I believe in myself.”
Blaqbonez is signed to Chocolate City Music and is known as one of Nigeria’s mainstream rap voices. He has released projects including Sex Over Love and Young Preacher, and has remained part of wider conversations around youth culture, music, and social issues in the country.
