No one is safe from the vengeful and spiteful actions of the Nigerian Police; not the elites or the middle class, not old or young, employed or not. For decades, the menace has been a subject of worry addressed time and again in different forms. In 1977, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, one of the pioneers of activist music in Nigeria, referenced the questionable and weird modalities of the Nigerian Army on Zombie. It’s been more than forty years since it’s release and every single word on the song still rings true.
In the thick of ongoing protests demanding the reformation and disbanding of the Nigerian Police Force and Special Anti Robbery Unit respectively, we revisit twelve songs inspired by the misconduct of the Force as we take to the streets to demand our freedom from the clutches of police brutality.
Zombie – Fela Anikulapo-Kuti
Johnny – Falz
Police Brutality – Majek Fashek
Beasts Of No Nation – Fela Anikulapo-Kuti
This Is Nigeria – Falz
Is Police Your Friend – Ruggedman
Thieves In Uniform – Dremo
Oga Police – P-Square
Gunshot – Vector
Fuck You (Cover) – Laycon
RRS – Joules Da Kid
SARS Is Around (SIA) – Vector