THE NEW FACE OF TUFACE

Before now, pop songster, Innocent Idibia, widely known as Tuface, cuts the picture of an apolitical person whose chief concern is his music, fame and wealth. This writer has followed Tuface’s musical career since he was with the defunct Plantation Boyz. Tuface was actually the true face of the now rested Plantation Boyz which made wave few years back in the local music scene. As the three artistes that made up the defunct group went on solo run, it is Tuface that turned out to be an instant hit of the lot.

Like the maverick late Afro beat, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, since he released the block buster single, African Queen, Tuface has continued to churn out one hit after the other. Till date, he remains perhaps the most decorated Nigerian artiste of all time, consistently winning laurels both at home and abroad. Tuface’s strong point is his stunning sweet voice. Oh! How amazingly irresistible is his voice! But then, as alluring as his voice is, so also is his look. Tuface, no doubt, has a smashing look. So, naturally, as it is with artistes, good look and captivating voice predictably brought to Tuface great wealth, fame and, of course, loads of female admirers. It is, indeed, on the latter platform that Tuface once trended significantly, with what a comedian once described as his acclaimed contribution to the country’s growing population through the kids he has raised from an assortment of women.

So, all along, one’s perception of Tuface is that of a happy going, fun loving wealthy artiste who is logically content with his comfort zone. However, recent development from the stable of the wave making artiste has changed all that. The crowd pulling artiste roughened not a few feathers when he recently announced that he would be leading a nationwide protest, against what he termed “obnoxious policies” implemented by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.

In an unusual dabble into political activism remiscent of the Fela Anikulapo’s days the Benue-born artiste took to his Instagram page to confirm that the protest will hold both in Abuja and Lagos. 2face wrote: “A call for good governance… We the people are tired. We can no longer continue with all of you. All your excuses and mistakes are not funny. We do not wish to continue with a system and government that is not working but afflicting the people. There’s need for Nigerians to rise against what is happening in this country having waited patiently for the legislators that were elected to represent the people all to no avail.”

Wow! Coming from Tuface, this is, perhaps, a most intriguing statement. Though, Tuface eventually called off the # I Stand with Nigeria protest, citing security challenges based on strong feelers that the event might be hijacked by interests not aligned with the original idea behind the protest, but one thinks it is a good development in our political system for such seemingly comfortable and famous artistes of Tuface stature to openly spearhead and identify with such political cause that could hold government accountable to the governed.

The concept of democracy has received varying definitions and interpretations from scholars and political observers depending on the ideological leaning or interest of the contending scholars. However, there are certain basic features of democracy that serve as consensus among the contending perspectives. One of such is accountability. Every democratically elected government is accountable to the people, to whom it owes its existence. These people, therefore, need to be consistently told how public funds are being spent and that the mandate given, are being utilised. Of course, this could be a two way thing. If the people think that the government isn’t doing enough to advance their course, through acceptable democratically permissible platforms, they could convey their grievances or feelings.

This is one of the hallmarks of democracy. Recently, in the United States of America, many world famous artistes collaborated with diverse interest groups in a nationwide protest against the Trump administration. The beauty of it is that the protesters had their way while government equally utilised the occasion to further clarify on perceived areas of misunderstanding. Communication is of essence in a democracy and protest, when it is properly organised and clinically coordinated, is a veritable means of communication. Unfortunately, in our clime, it is often seen as an affront against government. Thus, it is not uncommon to hear government officials affirm that a protest is being sponsored by perceived enemies of government. But then, supposing this is even true, it means the opposition is alive to its responsibility of keeping a ruling government in check.