Do you know dead Nigerian musicians live with us on earth?

When OJB Jezreel died on June 14, 2016, I felt hurt. I had never known the man personally, or met him before his death. But I experienced a deep emotion of sadness and loss at the knowledge of his passing.

See, OJB might never be described as the greatest artist, or the best producer Nigeria has ever had, but apart from the empathy I feel at the passing of a fellow human, I was deeply hurt because I had a connection to the man.

His hit single, ‘Searching’, has been a constant on all my devices, right from when I got my first music-enabled phone, down to this era of streaming. OJB created a record that continues to resonate with me and my life to this day, and hearing his voice massage my soul, and feed my spirit made him become a part of me.

I died a little with him on that day.

For many of you, it’s the same. There are many artists that are a part of your life, and travel through your waking moments with you. For me, OJB was one of them, yours might be Wizkid, Davido, or Sky B.

That’s why artistry should be respected. Artists are creative beings, tapping into their environment and all the influences around them to create the art. They are influenced by a number of factors, which create a state of mind that they curate via music and writing to make art. Whenever you consume a record, or listen to a new song from Wizkid, you are drawn into his world, his mental space, his universe. The artist holds your hand, grabs you by the arm, and leads you into a tour.

It’s an emotional experience, one that tugs our heartstrings and creates deep connections that words can’t fully explain. Do you wonder why a part of you is still drawn to every artist who have ever provided you with a hit song? Do you know why you are reading articles about Wizkid and Tekno? Do you fully know why you care?

It’s that connection. That bond. That unification of the spirit and soul via music. Every artist has this interaction with the people who consume their music. The bigger the bond, the larger their celebrity. The stronger the bond, the longer the artists stays relevant. That’s why Banky W, D’banj, M.I, Psquare, 2face Idibia, Wizkid, Davido and Tekno are kings. They have had this dance many times with you. They are your kin.

And that’s why we want the best for them. We cheer their victories, criticize their misbehaviour, listen to their words, read their interviews which provide insights into their lives and how they view the world. That’s why we egg them on to bring something of value, and provide their best work, so we can hold hands with them, and go on that dance again.

One more time. One last time.

And they do oblige us with their music, with the records they leave behind. They are with us even now, and for always. forever.