In an unconventional move,Tope Abiola, PhD, the Head of the Mass Communication Department at Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, has assigned a unique task to his students. The lecturer, renowned for his innovative teaching methods, has challenged Mass Communication students to critique the recent performance of the late Nigerian artist Mohbad. The catch? They must substantiate their claims by drawing from the artist’s previous works.
The announcement of this assignment was conveyed via the Mass Communication HND students’ WhatsApp group on September 24, 2023. The course representative for MEDIA CRITIQUE AND REVIEW shared the message, outlining the assignment details.
MohBad, a 27-year-old singer whose real name was Ilerioluwa Aloba, died in a Lagos hospital on Tuesday, September 12.
A husband and father of a five-month-old, MohBad was loved for his distinctive baritone voice and known for hit singles KPK (Kor Pe Ke) featuring Rexxie, and Ponmo featuring Lil Kesh and Naira Marley.
But his cause of death is unknown, leading to an outpouring of grief as crowds paid tribute in the UK, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa.
However, the assignment by the lecturer involves a critical analysis of Mohbad’s most recent performance and requires students to connect their observations with the artist’s earlier works. The song in question is ‘Sorry,’ authored by Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, professionally known as Mohbad. The lyrics of the song delve into themes of life struggles, financial hardship, and personal choices driven by desperation.
Here’s an excerpt from the song:
*”Dis life e tire me
Daddy no get salary
12 years I no see mummy
Stepmother no care
Landlord e dey worry
My brothers are hungry
Daddy gather money make I go poly
I go poly I no go class daddy I am sorry
I don dey do yahoo
I don dey take banku
Omo pastor ti wonu aye😭😭😭
Where’s his Mohbad’s mother”*
The assignment’s prompt challenges students to apply their critical writing and review skills to analyze Mohbad’s performance, all the while drawing connections to his previous musical works. The assignment is slated for submission during the next class session on Monday,September 25.
This unorthodox assignment has evoked mixed reactions from students. Some expressed disbelief and skepticism, with one student exclaiming, “You’re joking right?” Others echoed similar sentiments, questioning the assignment’s legitimacy.
However, there were also students who saw merit in the unique task, with one student, Lebi Anuoluwapo, a budding writer and communication expert, responding positively with a simple, “Very good.”
Tope Abiola, known for his dedication to innovative teaching approaches, hails from Obokun, Osun State. His decision to blend contemporary music with critical analysis showcases his commitment to engaging and challenging his students in new and exciting ways.
