LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) – In Lagos, Nigeria's bustling city of over 20 million, Valentine's Day often takes a backseat amid the daily hustle and relentless commercial activity. The city is recognized for its vibrant energy, characterized by the constant honking of yellow passenger buses and the dynamic flow of life on the streets.
However, rock musician Bianca Okorocha, popularly known as "Clayrocksu," is determined to infuse love into the atmosphere as the holiday approaches. She has taken her music beyond traditional venues, venturing into the streets to serenade random commuters with love songs while distributing single-stem roses. Her presence on the streets elicits surprise and joy from the busy passersby.
Accompanied by her partner, Clayrocksu often performs pieces such as James Blunt's "You Are Beautiful," brightening the gloomy mood often prevalent in the current socio-economic climate. "I am a musician, and we just thought it was a special and nice thing to do for people," she expressed. "Especially in this time and climate where everything is kind of difficult and all you hear on the news is bad news."
The socio-economic landscape of Nigeria has been challenging since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in 2023. His administration initiated significant economic reforms, including the abolition of longstanding fuel subsidies, which were anticipated to enhance investment and reduce costs. Unfortunately, these measures have inadvertently led to one of the worst cost-of-living crises the country has experienced in decades.
Furthermore, Nigeria's ongoing security crisis has worsened the living conditions for many. The conflict has constrained access to arable land in the north, leading to skyrocketing prices for goods, including essential items in Lagos, the nation's economic hub. Amid these tough times, characters like Clayrocksu are striving to bring happiness and warmth to the community during Valentine's season.
One of the participants in this unique emotional outreach, Barbara Lulu, shared her experience after being serenaded by Clayrocksu and her team. Initially caught off guard, her stress melted away as she expressed gratitude for the unexpected encounter, stating, "First off, this was a very shocking moment for me, because I never expected it. It just kind of happened, and all I can say is yay!" This reaction exemplifies the impact of bringing love into public spaces, especially when the general atmosphere may otherwise leave people feeling overwhelmed.
Clayrocksu aims to shift the perception of Valentine's Day as merely a romantic holiday confined to couples. "People think that Valentine's Day is only about romantic gestures, only boyfriend and girlfriend, husband and wife," she remarked. "But Valentine is really just about sharing love." Through her musical outreach, she seeks to redefine the celebration as an opportunity for broader expressions of affection, encouraging residents to embrace love beyond the conventional confines.
