We live in a polytheistic society, where ‘god’ or the concept of a supreme being finds followers and routes of worship under various religious umbrellas. Growing up, the basic religious studies which conditioned us in primary and secondary schooling tagged the Nigerian society as having a trinity of faiths, with Christianity, Islam, and ‘Traditional African religion’.
Christianity and Islam are the generally accepted ways of worship in organized society, with the third being seen as a dark force, associated with the diabolical powers that roam the earth, and ultimately have no intrinsically good use. But over time, that concept has been blurred with the shift of our country to wanton materialism, and the pursuit of wealth, no matter the cost. The religion promises to help achieve that with just a crime of morality as investment, and with it came acceptability and popularity. That’s why people with alleged ‘blood money’ are celebrated in public, but avoided by adherents of Christianity and Islam.
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D'banj's performing posture
(Press)
Why? Because, according to beliefs, opinions and inferences drawn from the modalities of their worship, the devil rules that religion.
In Nigerian Entertainment, rumors linking the practice of creating art and the devil has always been in full swing. You are one discussion away from ‘juju’ or ‘jazz’ (voodoo) being responsible for the untimely death of certain acts. The late stars, Dagrin, and MC Loph who both tragically lost their lives via fatal auto crashes, were fully discussed as the work of a higher morbid force, which had been instrumental in their success. Their deaths were rumoured to have been payback for their successful run.
Apparently, the involvement of the devil in music does not come from the local scene. Conspiracy theories the world over attribute the global pop music industry influence to a major power cult, Illuminati, which worships the devil himself in a form called the Baphomet. When D’banj was signed to Kanye West’s G.O.O.D Music in 2011, a rising wave of reaction pointed that the singer had joined The Illuminati, and worships the devil. Other acts who have, at some point in their careers, been accused of similar affiliation include Ice Prince, Charly Boy and M.I Abaga.
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Logo of the Illuminati
(Villains )Just recently, Popular social critic, Kemi Olunloyo, has hinted that YBNL boss, Olamide, has been engaging in black magic, and that the planned exit of Adekunle Gold from YBNL is a sign of failed rituals.
Olunloyo made a post on her Twitter page, where she trolled YBNL for losing rapper, Lil Kesh and the imminent exit of singer,Adekunle Gold, from the label.
She wrote, "First Lil Kesh, next Adekunle Gold, proof the rituals have broken down at YBNL."
Kemi Olunloyo, also known as the "Snitchlady" had earlier accused Olamide of using black magic to drive his musical success in a video interview at Pulse TV.
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Looking straight at the camera she further said "Olamide I am looking at you at Pulse TV. Have you ever been to a ritualist? Answer the question. We both know the answer. It's not controversial. For me to say something like that out on the Internet. I can stay in front of Mushin and say it no one is going to touch me."
An inside source in the music industry who chose to be anonymous revealed that some industry players do appeal to dark supernatural forces to aid them along their career paths. The source also described the modus operandi of the rituals.
“They get these power to make people more receptive to everything they say and sing. Their music becomes bigger, industry players give them support, and they get on all the platforms to propel their careers. They also use it to attack their competition, and take them out of business. The industry is being controlled by these forces, and what you see on the surface is only the result of their work.”
If these stories bear any truth, the question becomes, how deep is the involvement of demons in the music industry? Their alleged powers, how efficient is it, and what is the price to pay for this diabolical helping hand?
Investigations and research into this quickly becomes an effort into the world of tight-lips, ‘no comments’, and disconnected calls. The topic, it appears, is too sensitive and inflammatory to be attached to any name, with the fear of stigmatization preventing any headway. But a popular Christian cleric, who also pled anonymity, gave an opinion which is shared by many faithful.
“The music industry is worldly and of the devil. Since it is of him, it is only fair that he controls his kingdom and is heavily involved in it.”
