Every October 1, Nigerians pause to remember the moment in 1960 when the country claimed its independence. Over the years, Independence Day has been marked with parades, speeches, fireworks and family gatherings. This year is not so different. Although this year’s parade was cancelled, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressed the nation.
The President in his address marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, reflected on the sacrifices of the nation’s founding fathers and the resilience of Nigerians through decades of political, economic, and social challenges. He highlighted the country’s progress since 1960 in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and industry, despite setbacks such as civil war, dictatorship, and insecurity. Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to nation-building. He noted that difficult reforms such as ending fuel subsidies and multiple exchange rates were necessary to reset the economy and ensure inclusive growth. He emphasised that these policies are already yielding results, with improved GDP growth, reduced inflation, higher revenue generation, and stronger foreign reserves.
The President further outlined key achievements, including diversification of the economy through increased non-oil exports, infrastructure expansion, improved security, and social investment programmes supporting vulnerable households, students, and young entrepreneurs. He acknowledged the hardship caused by reforms but assured citizens that the worst is over, pledging continued investment in power, transportation, healthcare, and food security.
Addressing Nigeria’s youth, Tinubu described them as the nation’s greatest asset, encouraging innovation and productivity under initiatives like NELFUND, YouthCred, and iDICE. He closed with a message of hope and unity, calling on all Nigerians to embrace nation-building, prioritise local production, and believe in the country’s renewed path to prosperity.
Yet beyond the address and ceremonies, music has remained the heartbeat of the celebration. From Highlife melodies of the sixties to Afrobeats dominating global stages today, songs have captured Nigeria’s struggles, triumphs and hopes.
Music is how Nigerians tell their story. It is how a people scattered across more than 250 ethnic groups find common ground. Whether through lyrics of resistance, songs of unity or simply anthems of joy, certain tracks have come to symbolise the Nigerian spirit. Here are ten songs across generations that continue to echo loudly every Independence Day.
1. Fela Kuti – “Water No Get Enemy” (1975)
No conversation about Nigeria’s spirit can begin without Fela. His voice was fearless, his music revolutionary. “Water No Get Enemy” is one of his timeless tracks that Nigerians everywhere know by heart. On the surface, it is about the necessity of water. But deeper down, it reminds us that some things cannot be denied or destroyed. The song became a metaphor for resilience, a word that defines the Nigerian experience. Even today, during Independence Day reflections, Fela’s music feels as urgent as it did in the seventies.
2. King Sunny Ade – “Ja Funmi” (1982)
King Sunny Ade, the master of juju music, brought an entirely different kind of patriotism. His classic “Ja Funmi” is more than a dance track. It is a song of encouragement and energy. He urged his head to fight on his behalf and make things favourable. Independence is not just about politics but also about identity, joy and culture. Sunny Ade’s ability to modernise Yoruba traditional rhythms and make them globally respected, mirrors Nigeria’s own journey of balancing tradition with modernity.
3. Onyeka Onwenu – “One Love” (1991)
If there is a Nigerian song that truly unites, it is Onyeka Onwenu’s “One Love.” Released in the early nineties, the song carries a message of unity and peace. Independence Day is a reminder that Nigeria, for all its diversity, is still one nation. “One Love” remains an anthem that bridges divides, often sung at national events, schools and family celebrations. Its relevance today is undeniable as Nigeria continues to strive for unity amid challenges.
4. 2Baba – “One Love” (2006)
When 2Baba (formerly 2Face Idibia) released his own “One Love,” it became another anthem for peace and unity. His song is less formal than Onyeka Onwenu’s version but equally powerful. Independence Day is not just about looking back at history but about finding ways to build forward, and 2Baba’s track is a call to remember that progress comes only when people work together.
5. Timi Dakolo – “Great Nation” (2011)
Few songs capture the emotions of Independence Day like Timi Dakolo’s “Great Nation.” The ballad is solemn yet inspiring, urging Nigerians to rise above division and work together. It has become the go-to soundtrack for national celebrations, from official government events to school assemblies. Timi Dakolo sings with conviction, and his words remind every listener that the Nigerian dream is still worth chasing.
6. Wizkid – “Ojuelegba” (2014)
Wizkid may not have written “Ojuelegba” as a patriotic anthem, yet it has become a modern symbol of Nigerian resilience. The song tells his story of struggle and rise from the streets of Ojuelegba in Lagos to global superstardom. That journey reflects the Nigerian dream at its core. Every Independence Day, “Ojuelegba” feels like a soundtrack for young Nigerians who see themselves in Wizkid’s hustle, determination and eventual success.
7. Sound Sultan – “Motherland” (2016)
The late Sound Sultan gifted Nigerians one of the most patriotic songs of the 2000s. “Motherland” is both a love letter and a caution. It celebrates the beauty of home while warning against forgetting one’s roots. During Independence Day, the song resonates with the diaspora especially, reminding Nigerians abroad of the importance of connection to their homeland. Sound Sultan wrapped patriotism in Afro-hip hop, showing how the younger generation could still carry the message of nationhood.
8. Burna Boy – “Monsters You Made” (2020)
Burna Boy is often called the modern Fela for his mix of music and activism. “Monsters You Made,” released during a time of heightened political tension, is a fiery critique of leadership and a rallying cry for accountability. Independence Day is not just about celebration but also about reflection. Burna Boy’s track challenges Nigerians to confront the realities of governance, making it one of the most relevant songs in recent times for October 1 reflections.
9. Ayra Starr – “Rush” (2021)
It might be shocking that this single made the list but it’s undeniable that Gen Z found its patriotic anthem in Ayra Starr’s global hit “Rush.” On the surface, the track is about self-confidence and ambition. But in the context of Independence Day, it speaks to the spirit of Nigerian youth who refuse to be limited. Ayra Starr embodies a new wave of Nigerians who see independence not just as political freedom but as personal freedom to dream and achieve without apology. “Rush” is proof that patriotism today does not always sound like a solemn hymn. Sometimes it is a bold declaration of individuality.
10. Odumodublvck – “Declan Rice” (2023)
Odumodublvck’s “Declan Rice” may seem like an unconventional Independence Day song. Yet it captures something essential about the Nigerian spirit. It is raw, rebellious and unapologetic. It represents a generation unafraid to speak its truth and stand tall in its identity. Independence Day for Gen Z Nigerians is less about parades and more about owning their voice in global culture. Odumodublvck represents that perfectly.
The soundtrack of a nation
These ten songs show how music has carried Nigeria through decades of change. From Fela’s revolutionary anthems to Ayra Starr’s Gen Z confidence, the soundtrack of Independence Day is diverse but united in one message. Nigerians are resilient, creative and unafraid of the future.
As the country marks sixty-five years of independence, these songs remind us that patriotism comes in many forms. It can be the steady beat of juju music, the fiery words of Afrobeat, the soul of RnB ballads or the swagger of Afrobeats and rap. Music continues to be the thread that binds the Nigerian story together, one Independence Day after another.
