Black Sherif’s song, Kilos Milos, couldn’t have come at a better time. Its time lyrics resonate with the current political climate in Kenya.
The song’s message, “Don’t forget who you are, Nnipa kae da bi. Remember your roots”, are a stark warning to leaders to remain humble and aware of their limitations.
As I walked through the art gallery, a timeless quote on a canvas caught my attention: “I prefer peace but if trouble must come, let it come in my time; so that my children can live in peace”, by Thomas Paine. These words resonated deeply, especially in today’s world where leadership and governance are constantly evolving.
The phrase “Barbarians at the gates!” originates from Caesar’s reign, where he overlooked his empire from an arch, only to see barbarians gathering at his wall.
Despite his army’s presence, the barbarians eventually toppled the wall.
This historical anecdote serves as a warning to leaders to acknowledge and adapt to forces of change, lest they be overtaken.
In today’s world, the barbarians are the youth, Gen Z, who are driving change without seeking permission.
Africa’s demographics show a significant youth population, and governments must harness their potential or risk being left behind.
Kenya’s Government is currently grappling with its own barbarians; and Ghana should take heed, lest they suffer the same fate.
The new barbarians are not to be underestimated.
They are the voices on social media platforms like X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Leaders must engage with them to understand the true state of affairs and avoid being caught off guard.
The youths are not just a demographic, but a force of change that must be acknowledged and integrated into the political discourse.
To avoid being toppled, leaders must:
- Acknowledge new frontiers and forces of change
- Unlearn old ways and adapt to emerging trends
- Integrate with new forces of change
As Thomas Paine’s quote suggests, leadership should prioritise peace and the well-being of future generations. By acknowledging and adapting to the forces of change, leaders can ensure a peaceful transition into the future.
The traditional media may choose to ignore this new force, but governments cannot afford to do so.The youths are not just a nuisance, but a powerful demographic that must be engaged with.
Leaders must learn to listen to their concerns and adapt to their changing needs.
In conclusion, the song Kilos Milos is a timely reminder of the importance of humility and awareness in leadership.
The phrase “emmere Yenni nka so na mmere sisii y’aso” is a caution to leaders to acknowledge and adapt to forces of change, lest they be overtaken.
The youths are the new barbarians, and governments must engage with them to avoid being left behind!
