WATER, E NO GET ENEMY
In this piece Fr Abraham Saumam analyses the legend, Fela Kuti’s song “water e no get enemy” even as he brings to the fore the utmost significance/ Symbolism of water to mankind and how humanity can leverage on the need for water as a model for global unity. He made reference to Tyla’s song, “Water ” that won the just concluded Grammys
I am sure that there is no Nigerian, and I dare say, African who loves music and is in love with human emancipation from whatever shackles, who is not familiar with one of the fathers of Afrobeats, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. This is a man whose music and depth of lyrics are timeless and ever relevant.
One among his many such songs, “Water, e no get enemy,” is the point of my musings at this moment. It is so because, at the just concluded 66th Annual Grammy Awards, this song was awkwardly and conspicuously featured.
Grammy Awards is an annual global music award show that honors the best recordings, compositions, and artists within the span of a year. For the just concluded one, the range was from October 1, 2022, to September 15, 2023. It took place in Los Angeles, USA.
The reason I said, “awkwardly and conspicuously placed,” is because the Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance, the first of its kind since the Grammys started, was presented to Tyla, a young South African Lady, with a debut hit track titled, “Water.” As she was announced and was heading to receive the award on stage, right there in the background was Fela’s instrumental for “Water” playing!
For us Nigerians, we are convinced that we were rigged of our rights, because along with Tyla, four, in fact, five Nigerian music big weights were nominated. We are talking of the giant of Africa, Burna Boy, the sweet sensations Asake and Olamide, who featured in the same song, the CEO of DMW, Davido, and our darling young vibe, Ayra Starr. How was it that Tyla came on top?
While we try to comprehend how Tyla emerged the winner out of the nomination, and also try to grasp the reason Fela’s instrumental for “Water” was played instead of that of Tyla, the winner’s instrumental for her own version of “Water,” I rather would like to draw attention to the simple fact that, “Water really no get enemy,” whether it is Tyla’s Water or Fela’s Water, or any other Water, e really no get enemy.
Why should water, the lifeblood of our planet, have an enemy? When it holds a unique status in the natural world. Water stands as a symbol of unity and interconnectedness. Its essential role in sustaining life transcends borders, cultures, and ideologies, emphasizing the profound need for unity among humanity. Is it not what music also does? Who would have ever thought that Afrobeats as a genre in music will find a place in an almost all white Grammys? Thanks to the resilience and consistency of African Musicians, who have insisted in telling our African stories through music.
I would not hesitate to note that, maybe apart from Tyla’s Water winning the Grammy and Fela’s Water being played, there is something that the organizers are trying to tell us, whether consciously or not, that we had better be unified as Africans to the world, and also as a big human family. The time is upon us to change the erstwhile nefarious and debilitating African narrative. The Grammy Awards is presenting one such opportunity, and it is doing well. This perhaps explains why Trevor Noah, a South African, has hosted the show four times.
Water “no get enemy.” To be its enemy is perilous; because from the vast oceans that cover over two-thirds of the Earth’s surface to the smallest droplets in a mountain stream, water exists in diverse forms yet maintains an underlying unity. This unity is not just physical but extends to its role in supporting all living organisms, irrespective of their species, location, or habitat.
One of the most compelling aspects of water’s unifying force lies in its ability to break down barriers. Rivers, for example, traverse multiple regions, countries, and landscapes, linking diverse ecosystems and communities along their course. This interconnectedness highlights the inextricable link between the health of water sources and the well-being of those who depend on them. “Health is wealth” they say, I dare say, “Water is health.” I don’t think there’s any illness that is aquaphobic, nobody ever took I’ll and was told not to drink water.
The need for unity in the context of water extends beyond environmental considerations. Access to clean and safe water is a fundamental human right, and the lack of it affects millions around the world. In times of crisis, water often becomes a unifying force that compels communities to collaborate. Natural disasters, such as floods or droughts, underscore the shared vulnerability of humanity to environmental challenges. In these moments, the importance of solidarity becomes evident as nations and communities join forces to provide relief, support, and sustainable solutions. The Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004, that claimed over two hundred thousand lives, and the humanitarian events surrounding it, proves this assertion.
This musing will not be complete without the theological significance of water. In the Bible, water often symbolizes purification, cleansing, and renewal. In the Old Testament, it is associated with creation (Genesis 1:1-12), the Flood (Genesis 6:17), and the Exodus (Exodus 14:15-30). In the New Testament, water represents baptism and spiritual rebirth, emphasizing a transformative journey and the forgiveness of sins (cf. Mt. 3:15, Jn 3:5, Acts 2:38, 8:36-38, Rm 6:3-4). It is also instructive to note that Pilate used water to wash his hands off the responsibility of the death sentence issued to Jesus (Mt 27:24). Whether he is actually not responsible is a topic for another time.
Furthermore, water plays a crucial role in fostering cultural unity. Many societies and civilizations throughout history have centered their communities around water sources, recognizing the value of this vital element in sustaining life. Water rituals, ceremonies, and traditions often serve as cultural touchpoints that connect generations and reinforce the shared significance of water across different cultures. The Jews have their ‘purification rites,’ Islam has its ‘ablution rites,’’ Hindi has the ‘Ganga snan.’ All these rites involve water.
The point is, the need for water can be a model for global unity. By recognizing water as a common resource that transcends individual interests, it becomes an imperative for unity among humanity. Recognizing the interconnectedness of water sources, the shared vulnerability to environmental challenges, and the cultural significance of water can inspire collective action. By embracing unity in our efforts to preserve and manage water sustainably, we not only ensure the well-being of our planet but also foster a sense of shared responsibility that transcends borders and unites us all.
While I congratulate Tyla for her feat in the Grammys just concluded, I say that this is victory also for Afrobeats, whose pioneer is Fela. Hence, instead of bickering, we should rally round and consolidate our African success. Remember, “Water, e no get enemy.”
Fr Abraham Saumam
