Popular Afrocentric musician, Sambar, has announced the cancellation of all his scheduled December outings, citing the worsening spate of insecurity across the country and what he described as the “nonchalant attitude” of those who should speak out against the menace.
The singer made this known via a lengthy statement shared on his social media platforms on Friday morning, where he expressed deep frustration over the continuous killings, violence and the general silence of influential voices.
“Don’t call me for any show for now. All my outings for December are cancelled. If you’ve paid me, kindly DM for refund. I am sorry dear fans,” he wrote.
Sambar warned organisers against persuading him to reconsider, noting that any eventual appearance would not align with the mood of celebration.
“If eventually you are able to reach my emotional pause and I agree to attend your show, I will ruin the show because I will obstruct the funfair atmosphere by using your platform to propel my plight,” he stated.
The artiste lamented that Nigerians have continued to ignore growing insecurity simply because it has not affected them directly.
“There is something more disturbing than terrorism and killings, and that is the silence and pretence of people believing that so far it is not happening in their own jurisdiction, it is not happening to them,” he said.
Drawing parallels with historical struggles, Sambar referenced South Africa’s anti-apartheid era and the role of musicians and religious leaders in amplifying the voices of the oppressed.
“Reaction is powerful. Collectively it will boom. Collectively it will spark. Don’t say, ‘Who am I?’ Frown at what is not normal, frown at what is not good,” he urged.
He further criticised religious institutions and citizens who continue to organise celebrations while violence persists around them.
“Everybody keeps dancing, organising parties while people are dying close to you. You call yourself a devoted Christian or Muslim, yet you don’t lose your peace when you see injustice,” Sambar lamented.
The musician concluded by warning that silence only empowers oppressors and that waiting to become a victim before speaking out may come too late.
“This world is going down not because of the wicked, but because of the silence of the so-called good people,” he added.
