Afro beat musician, Femi Kuti and Paul David Hewson, popularly known as Bono, front man of the Dublin-based band U2, held a meet and greet session at the New Afrika Shrine last week. The session was an opportunity for the two music icons to share their views on the art of making music, and a number of issues of common interest. Both musicians are as popular for their views, and work as humanitarians as they are for their art.
Bono, who has over the years used his music as a platform for social change, was in Nigeria on account of his work with the One Campaign Organisation. Over the cause of the meet and greet, the U2 lead singer asked quite a number of questions about Nigeria, especially with respect to the new government.
[quote_right]Kuti was his usual frank self, as he decried the corruption that has pervaded the Nigerian sociopolitical landscape. “There is need for a change in the thinking of Nigerians, 99% of Nigerians are corrupt… Our senators had a free-for-all fight, on national TV, and the president said nothing… Having said that, even the poor are corrupt, if you send your maid to the market, she will complain that things are so expensive, while actually ripping you off.”[/quote_right]
On a lighter note, both entertainers discussed their art, with Kuti reminiscing about incidents that led to the movement to the New Afrika shrine. They also discussed the possibility of the two of them writing, and producing songs together. Also in attendance was Singer Waje, who is a One Campaign ambassador.