Show of Shame
Femi Kuti Lyrics

Show of shame
The repeated phrase 'show of shame' highlights the prevalence of corruption and embezzlement in Nigerian politics and the country's persistent failure to address it.

Hey, ah-ah
The use of 'hey' and 'ah-ah' is meant to emphasize the seriousness of the situation and the urgency for action.

See how them they rush
The first line of the song points out how politicians rush to grab the nation's wealth.

Dey hustle, dey struggle
The politicians use any means necessary to obtain funds, leading to unethical practices such as bribery and kickbacks.

Dey squabble, dey scramble
The corrupt practices of politicians result in them constantly fighting among themselves over who gets the biggest share of the loot.

To chop our country money
The phrase 'chop our country money' is a colloquial expression in Nigeria that means to use public office to get rich quick.

I say, this matter is not funny
The singer emphasizes that the situation is dire and in need of immediate attention, despite the government's leniency in dealing with corruption cases.

They make the people hungry
The greed of politicians leads to mismanagement of funds and lack of provision of basic amenities like food, leading to widespread poverty and hunger in the country.

They make the people angry
The frustration and anguish of the Nigerian populace over the corrupt leaders builds up as the looting of resources continue, causing dissent and rage against the political class.

Say millions of naira missing
The repetition of 'missing money' shows the magnitude of the embezzlement and the fact that the government cannot account for the funds.

Then billions of naira missing
As the amounts looted increase, it is clear that the scale of corruption is immense and the effects of it damaging to the nation's economic growth.

Now trillions of naira missing
The song suggests that the embezzlement goes beyond what has been reported and the government is unwilling or incapable of addressing the issue.

Make government workers, dey on strike
The workers, frustrated with the government's inability to improve their working conditions despite the massive looting of funds, go on strike to demand better treatment.

Them say them no satisfy
The workers express their dissatisfaction with the government and the lack of response to their demands for improvement.

Government no treat them right
The government has failed to provide for the workers despite having the means to do so, leading to the workers' outcry and protest.

Their future is not bright
The song expresses the bleak outlook of the workers' future prospects in a nation that condones corruption and has failed to improve the quality of life for its citizens.