Burna Boy has released a new song, “20:10:20,” inspired by the recent Lekki massacre in Lagos, Nigeria, where security forces shot peaceful protesters demonstrating against police brutality. The song was released nine days after the massacre occurred, and title references the exact date. On the song, Burna sings about the pain he feels following what took place:
“20th of October 2020. You carry army go kill many youth for Lekki. Na so WATER OOO WATER runaway my eyes. Nothing you go talk wey go justify the case of thеir murder. The chief of staff, thе commander and the army wey carry order. Mr President, Mr GovernorGodfather, gbo gbo IJOBA. All your atrocities, all of your corner corner. Make all the DEADBODY disturb you for your dream. The money wey you thief yapa for your azza You don turn our graduates to common beggars.”
On October 28, Amnesty released a statement decrying government attempts to cover up the details of the massacre. Burna Boy released his latest album Twice as Tall in August, and he also used his recent appearance on the BET Hip Hop Awards to call for an end to police brutality while performing his song “Monsters You Made.” Last year saw his project African Giant, which included a lot of thoughts about the current political climate of Nigeria.
The Twice as Tall album was executive produced by Diddy, who has spoken about Burna Boy’s intention behind his music and continuing to be a voice for his country:
“The thing that I learned about him is the importance of what he’s doing for his nation and representing the people that aren’t really heard globally. Through this album, I think it’s important for Africa to be heard. And so it’s bigger than just an album. He’s not just on a musical artist trip. He’s a revolutionary. His conviction is serious.”
Listen to Burna Boy’s new song “20 10 20” down below.