Nigerian singer Korede Bello has called on couples to have larger families, arguing that a higher birth rate would increase the likelihood of producing more exceptional talents such as the late pop icon Michael Jackson.
In a video broadcast posted online, Bello highlighted that Jackson was the seventh child of his parents and suggested that had his mother chosen to stop at a smaller number of children, the world would have missed one of its most influential musicians. He observed a growing trend of families opting for one child or none, and warned that this could limit the emergence of future artistic geniuses.
Bello’s message was framed around a broader concern for declining birth rates across Africa and elsewhere. He noted that “the economic situation limits our desires to populate the earth,” but questioned whether societies will continue under such demographics. “Are we ever going to get to a place where the house will be filled with children again? We need more Michael Jacksons,” he said.
The singer’s appeal aligns with ongoing debates about population growth, fertility rates, and cultural production on the continent. According to United Nations data, Africa’s total fertility rate remains higher than the global average, yet many urban and middle‑class families are adopting the “small family” model common in more developed regions. Economists and demographers have warned that sustained low fertility could affect labor markets and economic expansion, while cultural commentators argue that a vibrant creative sector depends on a critical mass of youthful talent.
Bello, whose own career has included hits such as “Godwin” and “Do Like That,” has not detailed any specific policy proposals. Instead, he urged parents to consider the potential long‑term cultural impact of larger families, emphasizing that “the world needs more musical geniuses like Michael Jackson.”
The video has generated discussion on social media platforms, with some users echoing Bello’s sentiment and others raising concerns about the financial and environmental implications of higher birth rates. No official response from governmental or cultural institutions has been recorded at the time of publication.
Bello’s call adds a celebrity voice to a complex conversation about demographic trends, economic pressures, and the future of artistic innovation in Nigeria and beyond.
