Some Nigerian artistes who have almost been forgotten have finally found a lifeline by blaming tribalism as the reason why many of their kind have been edged out of the entertainment industry.
The industry today sees the likes of Wizkid, Davido, Tiwa Savage, Burna Boy, Teni, Simi, Yemi Alade, Olamide etc all at the top of their game.
These acts constantly drop hits almost every two to three month which are accompanied by quality videos.
However, their efforts are overlooked as they are blamed for being of the Southwest extraction of Nigeria which some artistes say controls the music industry through tribalism.
An article by Emma Ugolee has now given them a voice with an old-timer, singer Kaha, describing it as a “very intelligent assertion.. say no more bro”.
Rapper Mr Raw also dropped a comment describing the article as “on point”.
Reggae artiste Rymzo also dropped a comment saying ”real”.
Singer Etcetera dropped a lengthy comment which reads:
”There’s nothing wrong with your assertion bro.. We are all aware of what is going on..save for those living in denial and those benefitting from the madness.
We all know that this SHAM some call Entertainment Industry in Nigeria today (Lagos in particular) is now SOAKED in TRIBALISM..
Ask yourself why all of a sudden the top artists now are all Yorubas???… And why the Likes of Phyno will fill a 40k capacity stadium and get half the media buzz as his Southwest counterpart who only does a 10k Arena??
Is it not a sad precedent that artists from other parts of the country are complaining that for your songs to gain traction in Lagos Air-waves or before you are invited to perform at certain quarters in the city, you have to be an Adeleke, Dayo, Aziz, Omoniyi, Yemi, Seyi or Tiwa??…
Does talent and hardwork that should position artists generally, regardless of region, not matter anymore???
Is talent and hardwork why these Southwest artists in the top 15, stand over the likes of Tuface, Timaya, Flavor, Phyno, Omawunmi, Waje, MI and Duncan Mighty??
Even Nollywood that used to be known as a Southeast originated and led Industry now wears a Yoruba face.. With the biggest players, directors and Movies all from the same Southwest clan.
But the good thing is.. Like every other TRIBALISTIC venture…. THIS TOO WILL FAIL… Because MUSIC and the arts in general has no LANGUAGE…NO TRIBE..NO COLOR.. It is simply what it is……MUSIC!”.
However, @mykltrek disagreed with most of what they said. According to him, those who are not buzzing are not doing o because they lack consistency.
He wrote: ”At a point I was confused but the Erigga angle clarified your point to me sir. Inasmuch as I strongly believe your assertion sir, I have a few questions; I was in warri recently and Erigga face was all over from Efuren to Eneren to Airport road and I asked why is he not pushing in lagos, Humble Smith was accepted in lagos, how come he ended he faded out? Sir I think it is not about lagos accepting you sir, it is more about consistency. Zulezoo drop a whole album full of hit, MI was blazing with rhymes n bars, sir anybody who is a fan of Nigeria music will sing at least half of style plus album. Sir Victor AD was accepted here we are today. My conclusion is that the new breed of artiste are not as dogged a d consistent as any of the ones you mentioned sir”.
With iTunes, Audiomack and other online music streaming platform taking over from radio stations and pushing artistes to the world, Emma Ugolee still believes radio monopoly is the reason why Southwest produces all the top artistes in the country.
He responded as seen below.
