In an industry often criticised for glorifying fraud, drug abuse, and promiscuity, Nigerian singer Akinbami Ebenezer, popularly known as Ben Akinbami, is taking a different path using music to fight crime.
Unlike many of his contemporaries who celebrate illicit wealth and fast lifestyles, Akinbami is producing songs with a clear message, discouraging crime and supporting law enforcement efforts across the country.
Speaking to The Nation after a recent performance at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s Officers Night Out, Akinbami said, “Music is powerful, and people internalize it more when the lyrics hit differently.”
His approach, he explained, is about more than entertainment; it’s about influencing society and offering a positive alternative to the narratives that dominate the industry. “If my songs can make even one person think twice before taking the wrong path, then it’s worth it,” he added.
Akinbami’s music has been embraced by several law enforcement agencies, who see in him a partner in promoting social responsibility and crime awareness. His performances at official events, like the EFCC gathering, are part of a broader effort to reach young people, inspire change, and remind the public that music can be a force for good.
In a time when the Nigerian music scene is often criticised for glamorising crime, Akinbami’s message stands out a reminder that the same stage that can celebrate excess can also uplift, educate, and transform lives.