2023 plagued Nigeria with crazily high inflation, foreign exchange rates and low purchasing power, among other things. And so, 2024 started with an unofficial theme for most Nigerians: “No gree for anybody” AKA “Stand on business”.
In simple English, these statements mean Nigerians will give zero chances to anything negative this year. If you accept the challenge, from today henceforth, model your actions after these Nigerians who are famous for varying levels of not giving a fuck.
Jola and FK
Jola Ayeye and Feyikemi Abudu have been pushing their “I Said What I Said” podcast since 2017. Their consistency has paid off because the podcast is one of the biggest in Africa today. In December 2023, they hosted a 1500-people live show in Lagos. Not only that, they’re known to platform important conversations around social bias, support small businesses and speak out against societal issues when it counts.
Portable
Throughout 2023, Portable kept himself in the news. Whether for his hometown coronation or airing his baby mama issues, he stayed in our faces. His music releases didn’t suffer either; he put out singles and an album. You don’t have to be uncouth like him, but you can emulate the way he makes noise against cheaters and about his hustle and wins. Also, keep being yourself whether people believe in you or not.
Asake
Asake’s steady domination of streaming charts is something to study. Despite releases from established acts like Burna Boy and Davido, Mr Money climbs to the top time and time again. In the first half of 2023, Asake’s debut album, Mr Money With The Vibes, had 440 million on-demand streams across platforms in Nigeria — almost twice what Seyi Vibez got in the second position. By August 2023, Lonely At The Top had become the most dominant single on streaming platforms and radio since Davido’s FEM in 2020. It came as no surprise when Spotify Wrapped 2023 listed Asake as the most streamed Nigerian act. Be a “landlord” like Asake in 2024 — turn the top to your house.
Emmanuel Akinsanmiro
18-year-old midfielder, Emmanuel Akinsanmiro, was signed on a four-year contract to Inter Milan U-19 football club from Remo Stars, Ogun State, in January 2023. Before then, he’d helped his former team get promoted from the Nigeria National League to the Nigeria Professional Football League in the 2020/2021 season. Emmanuel is proof you can do great things from a small place, so let nothing deter your dream in 2024.
Nasboi
The comedian was once a musician signed to Omotola Jalade’s record label in 2014 before he delved into comedy in 2017. In November 2023, possibly inspired by other successful comedians-turned-musicians — Broda Shaggi, Basketmouth, Kenny Blaq — he reignited his old dream by releasing his most popular song, Umbrella, featuring Wande Coal. He’s since gotten entertainment heavyweights, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Mercy Aigbe, Funke Akindele, Don Jazzy, Layi Wasabi and Sabinus, to push his new music. If a “comedian” is pressing hard to dominate musicians on the charts, who are you to not dominate things in and outside your field?
Paula Sai
Paula Sai is a budding rap artist who’s been posting freestyles and covers on her socials since 2019. Her delivery style mirrors Ice Spice’s but with Nigerian flavour. In 2023, she had a mild viral moment with one of her freestyles, when popular X users reposted it to make fun of her. In October, she shared her frustration in an X post about the public discouragement, stating that she’d return with a single or EP. Lo behold, Paula announced her comeback and new song this January. Let Paula’s resilience inspire you today.
Rabiu Ali
Rabiu Ali is a 43-year-old Kano Pillars footballer who’s been active for over 16 years. He has won consecutive Nigerian Premier League Cup (NPLC) titles for the club (2012, 2013 and 2014). Despite being above “football age” and the oldest player in his club, Rabiu remains tenacious, showing up to play the football he loves. His fans even call him Pele. Moral lesson here? No gree for old age.
