Veteran songwriter, theatre artist, linguist and entrepreneur, Mr Bigger Ibekwe, popularly known as Mr Bigger, has released a new hit song titled 'Japaa'. The Yoruba word for emigration, the single delves into the dilemma arising from the mass ambition of Nigerian youths to migrate to foreign lands.
According to the artist, the song was prompted by concerns about the future implications of the mass exodus of youths, who are the nation builders and leaders of tomorrow. 'Japaa' emphasizes the need for everyone to stay back and build the country. With a deeply thought-provoking topic, the afro-beat presentation inspires great dance steps.
Mr Bigger, a gospel artist of repute, has consistently commented on and shown great concern over Nigeria’s social maladies through some of his secular songs. In 'One Niger', he stresses the need for a united, corruption and nepotism-free country, while in 'Yahoo-Yahoo', he condemns internet fraud and the Nigeria Police’s tendency to label every Nigerian youth as an internet fraudster. In 'Umuaka' (Children), Mr Bigger extols the virtues of children and childhood, advising that 'Readers are Leaders'.
Wake-Up Call to Leaders
Highlighting why he wrote the song, Oti-Nkpu Jesus (The Jesus Praise Singer), as he is also known in the music evangelical sphere, Mr Bigger emphasises the need for government to recognise the dangers of losing its able-bodied workforce to other countries. 'Our youths are leaving the country in droves, and nobody seems to care. This song is a wake-up call to our leaders to do something about this devastating malady. If we don’t create an enabling environment to keep them here, our regrets will be enormous tomorrow,' he said.
He added: 'I will offer myself to collaborate with agencies, bodies, organisations, among others to drive this message home.'
