Blaqbonez Advocates for Open Marriage

Nigerian hip-hop artist Blaqbonez has consistently used his music to explore contemporary relationship dynamics, often coining catchy phrases that define his perspective.

The song "Okwaraji," particularly the remix featuring Bella Shmurda, is a prime example of this, where the artist makes a powerful case for detachment a lifestyle that resonates with the sentiment "Why I want open marriage."

While the lyrics of "Okwaraji" don't explicitly mention the phrase "open marriage," they lay the emotional groundwork for why someone might desire non-traditional relationship structures. The track is a centerpiece of his album Sex Over Love, and its central theme is a hardened refusal to invest deep emotional energy.

The lyrics reveal a backstory of pain and disappointment, where past romantic partners ("Cynthia made sure I will never love again," "Linda needed therapy for my pain") took advantage of his vulnerability. This history leads to a crucial defense mechanism:

Blaqbonez raps about learning to "suppress my emotions" to prevent being hurt, believing that showing feelings makes one a target for manipulation.

The line "when any day she fit day with another person... I say na turn by turn o" directly embodies the idea of non-exclusivity. It's a preemptive strike against heartbreak, normalizing the idea that partners will move on and one's time with a person is merely a "turn."

The track emphasizes a focus on success and career ("Me I no dey waste energy, ball like Okwaraji") over chasing romance. Love is framed as a distraction or a threat to personal blessings and peace of mind.

Ultimately, "Okwaraji" serves as a powerful, cautionary tale that champions emotional self-preservation in the modern dating landscape. It's not a proposal for open marriage, but a defiant declaration that the pursuit of sex over love is the safer, more rational choice when you've been "hurt too many times."