At a time when Nigeria’s music industry is often criticised for glorifying fraud, drug abuse and sexual excess, Nigerian singer Akinbami Ebenezer, popularly known as Ben Akinbami, is deliberately charting a different path—using music as a tool for social reorientation and crime prevention.
While many of his contemporaries celebrate illicit wealth and fast living, Akinbami is releasing message-driven songs aimed at discouraging criminality and supporting the efforts of law enforcement agencies. He made this known after a recent performance at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Officers’ Night Out.
“Music is powerful, and people internalise it more when the lyrics hit differently,” Akinbami told The Nation. “If music can influence people to do drugs and engage in other vices, then it can also influence younger generations to act better.”
Against the backdrop of rising internet fraud and drug-related offences in Nigeria, the singer said his music speaks directly to youths and public office holders tempted by quick and unlawful wealth.
In his latest single, ‘Hand Go Touch You,’ the multi-talented artiste warns of the long-term consequences of criminal lifestyles while urging respect for the rule of law. Describing the song as both timely and intentional, Akinbami said it reflects the current reality of a society where fraud, popularly known as Yahoo Yahoo, and the embezzlement of public funds by politicians are often glorified.
“It’s a song for the season,” he said. “Criminal acts are on the rampage, and many people now celebrate fraud and corruption.”
Unlike the dominant commercial soundscape driven by flashy visuals and controversial lyrics, Akinbami’s music leans heavily on storytelling. Drawing inspiration from real-life encounters and current affairs, his songs reflect the realities faced by law enforcement officers and families affected by crime.
In the visual for Hand Go Touch You, the singer paid tribute to the late EFCC Assistant Superintendent Aminu Harisu Sahabi, who was brutally killed last year, further reinforcing the song’s emotional and social depth.
For Akinbami, commercial success comes second to impact. He admits that socially conscious music rarely enjoys the same virality as mainstream hits but remains steadfast in his conviction.
“When you fight corruption, it will fight back,” he said. “I received a lot of criticism because of people’s hatred for the anti-graft agency.”
The singer, who began his musical journey at the age of eight and has released two studio albums and an EP, said his ultimate goal is to create music that inspires positive action rather than fleeting trends.
“I want people to act better and be blessed whenever they listen to my music,” he said. “I don’t want to sing songs just to trend; I want to sing songs that will be evergreen.”
Law enforcement officials and social advocates have welcomed Akinbami’s approach, describing it as a creative complement to conventional crime-prevention campaigns. While acknowledging that music alone cannot solve deep-rooted societal problems, they note that artists like Akinbami help reshape public conversations in a culture where musicians wield enormous influence.