‘Bono’, an Irish musician and superstar stated that music can change the world because it can change people. He was actually pinpointing that music can influence and trigger the memories of people. According to research music stimulates more part of the brain than any other human function and that is the very reason, why there is so much potential in music’s power to change the brain and affect the way it works. It is also researched that despite its power to influence people music can also impact illness, depression, and our perception of the world, sometimes can even increase aggressive thoughts.
The heart of music is the interplay of the physical and mental, as the compromise between them forms the cohesive whole. Compromise is also the heart of political process, trying to find common grounds and consensus solutions of problems of society through open communication. So in short music has the power to culturally, morally and emotionally influence our society as it creates a deep positive impact. Although music influence political movement and rituals, it is not clear to what extent general audience relate to music on political level. Sometimes songs can be used to portray a political message. Music is a language of emotion in that it can represent different feelings and barge into the soul with no boundaries or limitations
Since time in memorial, music has long been used by movements, seeking social change. Freedom songs, often adapted from the music of the black church, played an essential role of bolstering courage, inspiring participation and fostering a sense of community.
On this backdrop, to us in the Covenant Newspaper, the recent released of the debut album by the Sierra Leonean superstar Emerson Ahmid Bockarie which has caused a lot of tongue wagging among Sierra Leoneans who have been patiently waiting to listen to a release of the Sierra Leone musical political commentator, is no exception of a song that satirizes the fads and foibles of the powers that be, so as to bring about positive changes which will in extension impact the lives of the ordinary Sierra Leoneans.
Although many supporters of the opposition APC party have been pointing accusing fingers on Emmerson Bockarie, accusing him of being biased in the presentation of his messages, basing their claims on his regional and tribal background yet the Covenant Newspaper is of the candid view that the Sierra Leonean superstar is frankly objective in his strive to transform the political landscape of a country he dearly loves through his musical messages.
That he has been castigating and lambasting the leading political parties in the country who have been controlling the mantle of leadership in the country since independence in order to bring change is a clear showcase that Emmerson Bockarie is indeed is a patriotic Sierra Leonean whose objective is to inform the people about the mismanagement of government properties and funds as well as their seizure of human and political liberties.
His release of ‘Borbor belleh’ during the era of president Tejan Kabba and that of ‘Munku bus pa matches’ to oust the Earnest Bai Koroma APC led government are pointers to the fact that the renown political commentator do not have any sacred cow in the process of sensitizing his countrymen on evils meted on Sierra Leoneans by their political lords.
More so, the release of his recent album ‘Nine Lives’ that exposes the corrupt dispensation of the Maada Bio’s government concluded the argument that the popular artist is not producing his songs base on regional and tribal lines as was alleged but focuses on issues that derail the development of the nation.
Therefore, we in the covenant Newspaper are appreciative and supportive of Emmerson Bockarie strive to change the political landscape of a poor country like Sierra Leone.
