RSB EXCLUSIVE: MUSIC Industry Fast Becoming “NOLLYWOOD”

  

The Nigerian music industry is the fastest growing industry in Africa (in terms of entertainment). Over the years, it has produced great Artistes and Musicians who are recognized both at home and abroad. From the legendary figures such as Onyeka Onwenu, Christy Essien-Igbokwe, King Sunny Ade, Fela et al to the contemporary Artistes like KORA Award winner, Ade Bantu, Majek fashek, Daddy Showkey and to the modern day musicians we all know of,. There is no doubt that the industry is a pace-setter breaking all sorts of records in its stride.

            However, it is fast becoming another Nollywood of Nigeria (no disrespect intended) which has more productions than Hollywood but lacks quality.  The industry is now filled with whack songs and  whack artiste The quality of materials released by Artistes is deteriorating day-by-day.  Music Labels are not even helping the matter as all they are after is getting that profit. It seems these Artistes just go to the studio, get a good beat, record any jargon they can think of and then release it to the public. The irony is that the listener who ought to reject “whack” songs seems to love it. Thus, the whack Artistes don’t take time to do creative writing again as all they need do is get a groovy beat, mixed with a catchy hook, sing their bullshit and it becomes an instant hit. It’s annoying that the formula for a hit song in Nigeria is that simple.

           As far as I am concerned, the industry is still in a teething stage and time should be taken to nurture it into maturity. We know it has some challenges in terms of piracy (our brothers in Alaba), recording, remuneration, stage performance and so on but that doesn’t mean quality should be sacrificed on the stable of quantity. This trend does not only affect the industry’s credibility overseas but also killing off some Nigerian Grammy talents such as Timi Dakolo,  Praiz, GT da guitarman, Darey, Mode9 and many more undiscovered talents (my opinion) . No wonder Asha, the Nigerian international recording artiste decided not to reside and base in Nigeria.

           More so, there should be a sort of regulatory body among these Artistes in order to improve the quality of materials released to the public.  I know we have PMAN but the association is a figurehead. Veterans such as 2face and Sound Sultan must do more and not wait till these whack artistes take down the industry bit by bit. We can’t continue this way. Lyrical content must improve, stage performance must be live, recording must be of high quality and whack artistes must leave the industry. Something should be done fast and fast in every sense