THE THEME OF HOPE IN SELECTED NIGHTBIRDE'S SONGS
By Busayo Fakunle
Music's universality makes it relatable as people find songs welcoming perhaps in tempo/pitch/melody, lyrics etc. devoid of musician's background, country or culture.
Apart from the fact that music frees our mind from oppression, and opens our heart to being creative, it's an instrument of hope and that it has helped many people to stay alive still is indisputably the truth. Just like every musician has vision, Nightbirde's songs are mainly hope-filled, perhaps because of her status. What was strange about her status?
I met Jane Marczewski popularly known as Nightbirde on YouTube around August 2021 on a Sunday that I was terribly devastated. That Sunday like the penultimate Sunday, I was troubled because I had many bills unpaid for but everything changed after I listened to Nightbirde. There is that easy connection that one gets while listening to her. But then, how can a relatively troubled being be this cool, calm and gives hope through her music that one would remain baffled why give what you need the most?
A week later, I introduced her to my late eldest sister, Adeniyi Fumilayo Fakunle who as at then too needed hope. She was fighting cancer too. I can't forget that evening in a hurry. I saw how my sister felt elated and offered the watching moon a warming smile. I felt fulfilled too. But the moon left early. She said, Busayo, her voice and music is beautiful. Her smile too is electrifying.' I was quick to respond to her that they both were rare talented beings.
Even when she had 2% chance of survival, Nightbirde preached hope in her creatively weaved words, lyrics that are laced with deep meaning and with clarity of purpose. Her musical passion got a boost after the America's Got Talent auditioning (2021) where her inspiring rendition of 'It's Okay' song got a Golden Buzzer. In fact, withing 2 months of that amazing experience, the song was played 200 million times on YouTube. She said she wrote the song for herself in the midnight.
Somehow, even at a distance, one could tell that Nightbirde loved God and she expressed it throughout her darkest hours (same thing with my late sister). Her response on the audition was a great point of reference here.
'You don't have to wait until life isn't hard anymore before you decide to be happy'.
Nightbirde was hope personified. Her auditions were so touching and inspiring.
In 'fly', Nightbirde reaffirms the importance of companionship and the need to seek/ask for help from God/men when the need arises.
'... You're the only one who knows that I'm so curious, if you're with me then I know I will fly'.
Isn't this deep? After all, individuality can't make one tall.
'The story I'll tell' tells of a traumatized, challenged and devastated being who despite the horrific condition holds firmly to God for strength and hopes that though past years are terrific, she will eventually testify to the greatness of God. What a great hope? How can you lose hope when there is God on your side? Read these lines:
'The hour is dark and it's hard to see...'
'And I'll testify of the seas that we've crossed, the waters you parted... Singing oh-oh-oh my God did not fail.'
In her most popular song, 'It's Okay', hope litters every line and the song encourages us to breathe inspite of the hardships we facing.
'It's okay, it's okay, it's okay, it's okay
If you're lost
We're all a little lost and it's alright
It's okay, it's okay, it's okay, it's okay
If you're lost
We're all a little lost and it's alright.'
Summarily, Jane was a beautiful, talented young lady, obviously a creative song writer and singer with an incredible and alluring voice. Honestly, I wished I could have met her in person. I want to believe such kind soul like my departed loved ones are in the Lord's feet, resting. Though she lived such a short life (31years), it was highly impactful. Memories of her will never fade.
A mu olododo lo...
Rest on Amazon
Right now you might be lost like me too, but in all, PLEASE BREATHE. 💯✌️
Listen to more Nightbirde's songs and be inspired.
You care to read the rest?
Let's chat.
REVIEWER
Fakunle Busayo Nsi is a diction coach, poet, publisher, book/song reviewer, English language tutor, an editor, author of children's literary texts. He is a Fellow of Ebediwriters Residency International Writers Residency, at Iseyin and the current Publicity Secretary of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Ana Oyo State Chapter.
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