Music, Activism & Equity

In the latest episode of the Accountabili-TEA podcast, host Cheri-Leigh Erasmus is joined by two special guests, MI Abaga and Nora Rahimian, who are longtime supporters of Accountability Lab. MI Abaga is a prominent rapper, singer-songwriter, and producer from Nigeria, while Nora Rahimian is the President of Incredible Music and the CEO of culture fix, a global network using creativity for social impact. The episode explores the power of music as a tool for social change and accountability. Nora shares her experience working in Liberia, where she realized the potential of artists to influence and inspire people. She believes that leveraging the relationship between artists and their fans can drive behavioral and emotional change on social justice issues. MI Abaga discusses his journey into music and his commitment to social causes. Inspired by artists like Fela Kuti, who challenged the government and spoke truth to power, MI emphasizes the connection between his values, beliefs, and music. He shares his involvement in election campaigns and the creation of TASCK Creative Agency to engage musicians in social and political issues. Nora highlights the importance of authenticity and genuine engagement from artists when using music as a vehicle for social change. She emphasizes the need for real action and long-term commitment, rather than just performative gestures on social media. Nora also emphasizes the emotional power of music in driving urgency and fostering a deeper connection to social justice issues. MI reflects on his efforts to bridge the north-south divide in Nigeria's music industry. He discusses initiatives to support artists from the north and provide them with opportunities to succeed. MI also addresses the gender imbalance in the industry and the importance of creating a safe and inclusive space for women. He advocates for involving women in decision-making processes and actively listening to their voices. Throughout the episode, both MI Abaga and Nora Rahimian emphasize the need for artists to use their platforms responsibly and authentically. They stress the importance of taking real action, engaging with fans, and addressing social justice issues beyond superficial gestures. By leveraging the emotional power of music, artists have the potential to drive significant social change and foster a more accountable society. Overall, the episode serves as an inspiring and thought-provoking exploration of how music can be a catalyst for social change, and how artists can play a crucial role in promoting accountability and justice in their communities.