Ace music mixer and producer, Victor Perez, popularly known as “VC Perez’’, on Monday advised the three tiers of government to join forces with the music industry to combat the persistent killings of its citizenry.
Perez told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that government should utilize music, the most powerful tool, to combat insurgency.
According to him, musicians have high social influence and government should use the platform to educate the masses on the need for them to promote brotherhood, unity and peace.
He said that the killings had become worrisome and a great concern to all Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora.
Therefore, it should be condemned by all using every means available.
“Government can bring together musicians, whether foreign or locally-based, to synergise efforts in quelling the menace.
“Musicians seem to be the most powerful influence on the nation because people listen to them more on regular basis than they listen or even hear from government.
“In that regard, musicians can be involved in national affairs and assignments to influence the activities of their listeners,’’ he said.
He noted that industry practitioners had failed to realise the unprecedented impact the insistent killings wreak on their career.
He said that associations and personnel would make more impact in the country if they should align with policy makers in addressing the persistent killing of innocent citizens.
“When last did you hear of a peace concert or even find compilation of peace songs in the market; this is because artists do not recognize their strength or have failed to use it appropriately for the good of the society.
“If the killings persist and Nigerians so decide to emigrate in quantum, it will have direct effect on the industry and the artists,’’ he said.
He urged government at all levels to curb the inherent threat by using the music industry as a tool to propagate peace and unity amid diversity. (NAN)