Nigeria’s Harrysong to host concert for Niger Delta peace

While in Ghana, Shatta Wale and the Musicians Unions of Ghana are staging peace walks and media campaigns for elections, Harrysong's concert is aimed at drawing attention to the need for peace in the Niger Delta. The site of several incidents of violence and protest, the Niger-Delta region has recently been in the news for acts of crude oil pipeline vandalism by a group called the Niger Delta Avengers.

Harrysong, who lived in the area until some years ago when he moved to Lagos, has decided to use his concert as campaign tool. “I suspended the release of my album to do this concert because of what is happening in the Niger Delta right now,” he said. “I plan to use this concert to restore peace to Niger Delta amidst the recent happenings in that part of the country.”

The ‘One Delta Harrysong Peace concert,’ which will take place in Asaba town, is not the first time a music artist has used his position to address issues concerning the Niger Delta. Timaya, also from the Niger Delta, sang about the region on the song 'Dem Mama' from his debut album True Story (2003). Fittingly, Timaya is one of a line-up of artists that Harrysong has said will be performing at the concert.

“I won’t be performing alone,” the ‘Reggae Blues’ said, “but alongside some of my colleagues…Patoranking, Seyi Shay, Timaya, Olamide, Orezi, Kcee, and many more.  The concert promises to be a unique one as we plan to use our talents to restore peace to our dear country. So fans, I can’t wait to see you all. Thanks for your endless support! God bless Niger Delta and God bless our country Nigeria.”