Hausa singer Rarara’s new song on Pantami attracts backlash

Hausa singer Rarara's new song targeting former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Isa Pantami has ignited controversy and drawn sharp criticism. The politically charged track, released on Thursday, accuses Mr Pantami of drug use and praises Gombe State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Jamilu Gwamna. Mr Pantami, however, is the governorship candidate of the Wike-backed People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The song has triggered a wave of backlash across social media, with many observers condemning the content and its implications. The track, titled Kurmi Kuma (meaning "He Who Is Not"), uses metaphorical language to suggest Mr Pantami's alleged involvement in illicit activities. While the intention was to bolster the APC candidate's image, critics argue that the song has had the opposite effect. Public sentiment appears to have shifted toward supporting Mr Pantami, with some viewers expressing sympathy for the former minister. This outcome has led to accusations that the song failed in its primary goal and instead undermined the credibility of the political message it sought to convey. Former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Solomon Dalung, voiced concerns over the decline in the quality of political discourse in northern Nigeria. He criticized the use of crude personal attacks in the song, noting that such tactics have become increasingly common in contemporary political communication. Dalung emphasized that while political criticism is essential, it must be grounded in factual evidence rather than baseless allegations. He pointed to a broader erosion of traditional northern values, including adabi (good manners), kunya (modesty), and respect for human dignity, which he believes are being compromised in the name of political advantage. Dalung warned that the normalization of unverified claims and insult-driven rhetoric threatens the integrity of northern political culture. He argued that public figures should be challenged through logical arguments and evidence, not through emotional appeals or personal slurs. His comments reflect a growing unease among some Nigerians about the increasing coarsening of public debate, particularly in regions where cultural norms traditionally played a central role in shaping political behavior. Social media users have echoed these sentiments, with several individuals criticizing the song for its lack of substance and reliance on innuendo. One user, Abdulaziz Jauro from Adamawa state, accused Rarara of leveraging his influence to spread malicious rumors under the pretense of artistic expression. Jauro described the song as a form of "artistic insolvency," suggesting that it fails to meet even basic standards of creativity or ethical responsibility. He argued that the use of symbolic language to mask defamation does not justify the degradation of public discourse or the manipulation of public perception for political gain. Others have questioned whether the song represents a broader trend in Nigerian politics, where artists are increasingly used as tools for partisan messaging. Some analysts suggest that the boundaries between entertainment and political commentary are becoming blurred, raising concerns about the potential impact on democratic processes. In particular, there is apprehension that such practices could lead to a culture of misinformation and reputational damage, undermining trust in both politicians and the media. As the controversy surrounding the song continues to unfold, it remains unclear how the situation will evolve. Political parties and public figures may respond with further statements or actions, while the artist himself may face calls for accountability. Meanwhile, the broader discussion around the role of music in political life shows no signs of abating, highlighting ongoing tensions between artistic freedom and ethical responsibility in public spheres.