How Taye Currency’s Campaign Songs Helped Shape Makinde’s Political Rise in Oyo
In the world of Nigerian grassroots politics, music has always played a powerful role in shaping public perception, mobilising supporters, and influencing voter emotions. In Oyo State especially, Fuji music remains deeply connected to political culture, and few artists understand that formula better than Taye Currency.
Many political observers in Ibadan still believe that no contemporary Fuji artiste from the city understands campaign music and political messaging better than Taye Currency. His ability to blend street language, emotional appeal, local identity, and political propaganda into catchy Fuji rhythms has consistently made him a valuable figure during election seasons.
That unique strength is one of the reasons Governor Seyi Makinde has remained closely associated with the Fuji star over the years.
Before the 2019 governorship election in Oyo State, Taye Currency became one of the loudest musical voices supporting Makinde’s ambition to unseat the administration of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi. At the time, Oyo politics was highly charged, with the ruling APC government facing criticism from sections of the public over governance style, political tensions, and internal party battles.
While many politicians relied on conventional campaigns, rallies, and media appearances, Taye Currency took political mobilisation to the streets through music. The Fuji musician released multiple politically themed songs and albums dedicated to promoting Makinde’s candidacy and attacking the existing political structure in the state.
One of the most talked-about aspects of that political era was how deeply the songs connected with ordinary residents, particularly grassroots voters across Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State. The songs became popular at local gatherings, campaign grounds, commercial transport parks, and neighbourhood hangouts where political discussions dominated daily conversations.
Several supporters of Makinde at the time openly admitted that the Fuji-driven political movement created strong emotional momentum for the PDP candidate ahead of the election. Social media posts and local commentaries from that period frequently referenced how Taye Currency’s songs became unofficial anthems among Makinde supporters.
Political campaign songs are not new in Nigeria, but what made Taye Currency stand out was his understanding of local sentiment and his ability to turn political messages into street-level entertainment. His songs were not just endorsements; they became cultural expressions tied to the desire for political change in Oyo State.
By the time the 2019 governorship election arrived, Makinde had built massive grassroots support across the state and eventually defeated the APC candidate to emerge governor of Oyo State with over 515,000 votes.
Many political analysts in Ibadan still argue that Taye Currency’s role during that period significantly elevated his political relevance and strengthened his relationship with the governor. The musician’s loyalty during the heated campaign season reportedly earned him deeper access to the inner circle of the Makinde political structure.
For many observers, that period marked the beginning of an even stronger connection between the Fuji star and the Oyo State government.
Interestingly, the relationship between politics and Fuji music in the South-West continues to evolve, but Taye Currency’s involvement in the 2019 Oyo election remains one of the clearest examples of how indigenous music can influence public opinion and political branding in Nigeria.
In Ibadan today, whenever conversations about political musicians arise, Taye Currency’s name almost always comes up among the first mentioned. Supporters believe he mastered the art of campaign songs long before many others recognised its political value.
Whether one agrees politically or not, one thing remains difficult to deny: Taye Currency understood the assignment in 2019, and those songs helped carve a direct path into Governor Makinde’s political circle.
0 Comments