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Science Student

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Science Student"
Single by Olamide
Released11 January 2018
Genre
Length3:23
LabelYBNL
SongwriterOlamide Adedeji
Producers
Olamide singles chronology
"Correct G!"
(2017)		 "Science Student"
(2018)		 "Titilailai"
(2018)
Music video
"Science Student" on YouTube

"Science Student" is a song by Nigerian rapper Olamide. It was released by YBNL Nation on 11 January 2018 as his first solo release following his seventh studio album Lagos Nawa (2017).[1][2] The Afrobeats and street-hop song was produced by Young Jonn and Bbanks and addresses drug use among Nigerian youths through lyrics that describe the mixing and consumption of various substances.[3]

Following its release, the song generated controversy over its portrayal of drug use. Olamide stated that the song was intended to discourage drug abuse, while the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) later issued a Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB) warning against it. The music video, directed by Unlimited L.A, was released on 26 February 2018 and drew comparisons to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" music video. The song received several award nominations and won Best Street-Hop Track at the tooXclusive Awards.

Composition and lyrics

[edit]

"Science Student" is an Afrobeats and street-hop song performed in Yoruba and co-produced by Young Jonn and Bbanks.[3][4] The song addresses drug use among Nigerian youths and portrays the practice of experimenting with different combinations of substances.[3] The term "science student" refers to young people who experiment with mixtures of drugs and other substances to achieve stronger highs,[5] while the lyrics describe various forms of substance use and the people who engage in them.

The song's chorus describes this lifestyle through references to mixing different substances, including the line "they have mixed chemicals, science students". Pulse Nigeria interpreted the lyrics as a portrayal of individuals who experiment with various substances, with later lines mentioning individuals who will use various substances they encounter and advising them to "take it easy." The song also references traditional alcoholic drinks associated with street culture at its outro.[3]

Controversy and reception

[edit]

Following its release, "Science Student" faced criticism from some listeners and commentators who accused the song of promoting or celebrating drug use among Nigerian youths. Don Pedro Obaseki, a filmmaker and communications expert, called for the song to be banned, claiming that its lyrics encouraged young people to use and mix illicit substances.[6] Moses Siasia, chairman of the Nigerian Young Professionals Forum, also criticized the song and called on regulatory bodies to take action, arguing that it promoted drug abuse among youths.[7] Olamide responded by stating that the song was not intended to encourage drug abuse, but rather to highlight the issue and encourage listeners affected by it to change their behavior.[5][8] He urged listeners to avoid abusing alcohol, stop mixing unknown substances, and "live responsibly" while encouraging them to focus on "purpose fulfillment and passion discovery". He also called on listeners to help "put an end to drug abuse and save as many lives as possible".[9]

NBC ban

[edit]

In January 2018, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) issued a Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB) warning against "Science Student", declaring the song "unfit for broadcast" on radio and television stations.[10] According to NBC officials, the decision was based on what the commission described as the "profligate mention" and subtle promotion of illegal drugs.[11][12] The commission clarified that it had not banned the song itself, but directed broadcasters not to air it and warned that stations that failed to comply could face sanctions.[13][14][15]

Critical response

[edit]

Music journalists and commentators had different opinions on the song's message and whether it should be banned. Linda Orajekwe of Notjustok argued that "Science Student" should not be banned, writing that listeners should distinguish between "promotion and awareness" and stating that Olamide was highlighting an existing issue rather than encouraging drug use.[16] Tomiwa Isiaka of The Native described the song as a reflection of Nigeria's drug problem, arguing that the controversy should focus on addressing the issue itself rather than removing the song from public discussion.[17] Gbenga Adebambo of The Guardian criticized the song's message, arguing that its references to drugs could negatively influence youths and stating that Olamide's explanation was not enough to clarify its intent.[18] Onoshe Nwabuikwu of The Punch similarly questioned the song's approach, arguing that its detailed references to substances could make listeners more curious about them despite Olamide's claim that it was meant to discourage drug abuse.[19]

Music video

[edit]

The music video for "Science Student" was released on 26 February 2018. It was directed by Unlimited L.A with creative direction and choreography by Kaffy.[20][21] The seven-minute visual follows Olamide through a building populated by individuals portrayed as drug users, while incorporating scenes intended to reinforce the song's anti-drug message, including "Say No To Drugs" inscriptions and Olamide rejecting an offered drink.[22][23][24] The video concludes with a large shaku shaku dance sequence featuring over 100 dancers from the Imagneto Dance Company.[25][26] Several publications noted similarities between the video's choreography and horror-inspired imagery and those of Michael Jackson's music video for "Thriller", while also incorporating elements associated with Nigerian street culture.[22]

Accolades

[edit]
Awards and nominations for "Science Student"
Organization Year Category Result Ref.
tooXclusive Awards 2018 Best Street-Hop Track Won [27]
Song of the Year Nominated
Nigeria Entertainment Awards Hottest Single of the Year Nominated [28]
The Beatz Awards Music Video Director of the Year (Unlimited L.A for "Science Student") Won [29]
Best Choreographer (Kaffy for "Science Student") Nominated [30]
Afro Hip-Hop Producer of the Year (Bbanks and Young Jonn for "Science Student") Nominated
Soundcity MVP Awards Festival 2019 Video of the Year Nominated [31]
Viewer's Choice Nominated

References

[edit]
  1. ↑ "New Music: Olamide – Science Student". BellaNaija. 11 January 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  2. ↑ Akan, Joey (11 January 2018). "Music: Olamide - 'Science Student'". Pulse Nigeria. Archived from the original on 19 February 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Akan, Joey (21 January 2018). "Olamide: Is rapper's trending song 'Science student' promoting drug abuse?". Pulse Nigeria. Archived from the original on 19 February 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  4. ↑ Ewodage, Rejoice (11 January 2018). "Olamide Drops New Single 'Science Student'". Channels TV. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  5. 1 2 Akande, Segun (9 February 2018). "Science Students: Young Nigerians are now mixing methylated spirit and Coke to get high". Pulse Nigeria. Archived from the original on 11 February 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  6. ↑ "Ban Olamide's 'Science Student', says Don Pedro Obaseki". The Nation. 22 January 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  7. ↑ Wande, S-Davies (23 January 2018). "Siasia condemns Olamide's science student, calls for ban". Nigerian Tribune. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  8. ↑ Samuel, Mofijesusewa (22 January 2018). ""Stop Mixing What You Don't Know About" – Olamide Defends His Viral Hit Song 'Science Students'". The NET. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  9. ↑ Igboanugo, Ada (22 January 2018). "Olamide breaks silence on Science Students controversy, says 'no to drug abuse'". TheCable. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  10. ↑ Egbo, Vwovwe (28 January 2018). "Olamide: NBC declares "Science student" unfit for broadcast". Pulse Nigeria. Archived from the original on 19 February 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  11. ↑ Robert, Oyinyechi (29 January 2018). "NBC Finally Speaks On Olamide's Hit Song 'Science Student'". The Whistler. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  12. ↑ Olagunju, David (27 January 2018). "Again, NBC 'flogs' Olamide over new song, Science Student". Nigerian Tribune. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  13. ↑ "Olamide's Science Student banned from Nigerian radio". Music in Africa. 29 January 2018. Archived from the original on 15 July 2019. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  14. ↑ Igboanugo, Ada (28 January 2018). "'Science Student' not banned — but radio stations may be sanctioned for playing it". TheCable. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  15. ↑ Olowolagba, Fikayo (28 January 2018). "NBC bans broadcast of Olamide's song, 'Science Student'". Daily Post. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  16. ↑ Orajekwe, Linda (23 January 2018). "Should Olamide's Science Student Be Banned?". Notjustok. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  17. ↑ Isiaka, Tomiwa (25 January 2018). "Olamide's "Science Student" is not the problem". The Native. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  18. ↑ Adebambo, Gbenga (10 February 2018). "Olamide's insult called 'Science Students'". The Guardian. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  19. ↑ Nwabuikwu, Onoshe (28 January 2018). "Olamide's miseducation on drug abuse". The Punch. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  20. ↑ Tambini, Kam (26 February 2018). "You Need to Watch Olamide's Epic Video For 'Science Student'". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  21. ↑ Chef, The (26 February 2018). "VIDEO: Olamide – Science Student". 360Nobs. Archived from the original on 16 March 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  22. 1 2 Abimbolu, Demola (26 February 2018). "Watch Olamide's thriller-inspired music video for "Science Student"". The Native. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  23. ↑ Salihu, Idoko (26 February 2018). "Olamide releases visuals to counter 'Science Student' controversy". Premium Times. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  24. ↑ Okundia, Jennifer (26 February 2018). "Olamide Releases "Science Student" Video". P.M. News. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  25. ↑ Agbo, Njideka (26 February 2018). "Olamide Releases Science Student Video". Guardian Life. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  26. ↑ "Olamide don drop 'Science Student' music video". BBC News Pidgin (in Nigerian Pidgin). 26 February 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  27. ↑ Oluwafemi, Taiwo. "TooXclusive Awards 2018 – WINNERS!". tooXclusive. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  28. ↑ Lenbang, Jerry (13 September 2018). "Davido, Wizkid, Olamide, 2Baba Nominated For Nigerian Entertainment Awards (Full List)". 360Nobs. Archived from the original on 14 September 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  29. ↑ "Nominees & Winners 2018". The Beatz Awards. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  30. ↑ Omoruyi, Omoleye (17 October 2018). "Don Jazzy, DJ Cuppy, Rudeboy, Frank Edwards, Toke Makinwa others nominated for The Beatz Awards 2018 | See full list". YNaija. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  31. ↑ "Full list of winners at the 2019 SOUNDCITY MVP awards". Premium Times. 6 January 2019. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
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