“Terry G”… The love for Free Madness

Posted on 06. Feb, 2010 by Omega Eee in The critic

Back in the days, wherever you go in Lagos State Nigeria, all kiddies party was dominated by Shina Peter one of Nigeria’s famous juju musician. Most school kids could sing and dance to his song like it was being taught at school. Anyways, the same could be told of Terry G.

After being away for several years, I was back to Nigeria visiting most places like Surulere, Festac Town, Satelite Town, Ajegunle, Ikeja, Lekki, Somolu, Ojo, Apapa, Obalende, Victoria Island, Mushin and others. I discovered that every single Carnival we attended was massively requesting for Terry G “Free madness”. Before I knew it, I was caught up in the act of scattering the dance floor with my dance steps.

I asked why they love the song, they said its just a party song that gives them the opportunity to dance. They just want to dance while putting the meaning behind them. Others said they just love the energetic swagger in his songs.

Also, the airwaves was buzzing with massive request for “free madness”. Radio (Fm) stations like wazobia, raypower, cool fm, rythym and others were buzzing with callers requesting for that same track. It was like a hoax but it wasn’t. I discovered that Nigerians back home are just happy people who don’t want to put their stress and problems in front of them. They just want to be in a happy, party mood.

We attended a Carnival in Festac Town and it was like a “free madness” zone. Terry G was there and killed it. Speaking with some Festac Town residents, they said its all about having fun. They acknowledge the fact that sometimes Terry G can be a “crazy” guy but its just pure art.

My visit to Ajegunle was one of the most profound visit to the lively suburb. They dance to his songs like its an institution. To them, it’s the perfect tune to show your “alanta” skills. With music stores blasting various songs, you surely hear that the most played is that of Terry G. I find more kids in street parties responding to the tune like they’ve listening to hit for ages. They knew how to dance to it. It was amazing.

We later went for the “Badagry Carnival” in search of what they were listening to. They kept repeating Free madness. As for the Satelite Town Carnival, The Djs I spoke with said when the crowd is down, they wake them up with “free madness” and the way they respond is incredible. This was exactly what I witnessed.

My advice to young artistes out here is that, you must put out one party tune to start with just to put your name on the map. You must not be like Terry G but must be yourself. Nevertheless, you must make people hear about you through commercialising yourself using a track or two. This is because the music lovers out there couldn’t explain why they love Terry G’s music but he is massively popular in Lagos parties. Hate him or love him, call him Razz or ghetto, but this guy is stealing the airwaves with his free madness.

Tags: Ajegunle, Apapa, Cool Fm, Festac Town, Ikeja, Lekki, Mushin, Obalende, Ojo, Raypower, Satelite Town, Somolu, Surulere, Terry-G, Victoria Island, Wazobia fm