Popular on-air personality Dotun has sparked a compelling conversation about the longevity of Afrobeats songs in recent years.
Reflecting the sentiments of many Nigerian music lovers, the outspoken OAP took to social media to express his concerns over the diminishing replay value of songs produced by Nigerian artists in the past five years.
Dotun lamented that the industry has become oversaturated with music, leading to a decline in quality and an overwhelming choice for listeners. His critique sheds light on the challenges facing contemporary Nigerian music and its focus on trends over timeless artistry.
In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Dotun outlined his thoughts on the state of the music industry, attributing the current state to the pressure artists face to release music rapidly. He wrote:
“Most of the songs made now in the last five years have no longevity. You might not remember them, not because they are not good enough, but the market is oversaturated with so many songs made in haste. It’s a race to be heard, a numbers game over anything else.”
Dotun’s commentary points to an industry driven by streaming numbers and fleeting trends rather than a focus on creating music that endures the test of time.
Dotun further argued that this fast-paced environment has compromised the creative process for many artists. He noted:
“The music industry in Nigeria is pressured. Some songs these artistes make lately are to satisfy an attention-seeking audience; compete with themselves rather than satisfying their conscience. If we let them be selfish with their creativity sometimes, you will get the best out of them. When you dictate what you want always over encouraging their freedom of creativity, you can’t get the best out of them.”
His remarks underline the tension between artistic freedom and audience-driven demands, which he believes stifles true innovation in the music scene.
The veteran OAP’s observation also touches on the broader impact of the “Afrobeats to the World” movement. As Nigerian artists cater more to international markets, Dotun believes that commercial pressures, particularly from record label deals, influence the kind of music being produced.
In another tweet, he encapsulated this phenomenon succinctly, stating, “Gbedu dey drop but gbedu no dey last.” This reflects a sentiment shared by many who feel that while new songs are being released at an impressive pace, few have the staying power to become classics, unlike songs from earlier generations.
Dotun also highlighted the competitive dynamics within the music industry, where artists prioritize speed over substance. He noted that compared to older generations, newer artists rarely allow their projects to saturate and resonate with audiences before releasing new material.
This constant churn, driven by a desire to dominate charts and impress fanbases, has further contributed to the ephemeral nature of recent music. Dotun’s critique underscores the need for a more measured approach, where artists can focus on creating impactful work rather than chasing quick wins.
The conversation sparked by Dotun’s insights has resonated with many fans and industry stakeholders, prompting calls for reflection on the direction of Nigerian music. While the growth of Afrobeats on the global stage is undeniably remarkable, the focus must shift towards balancing quantity with quality.
As Dotun’s statements suggest, fostering an environment where artists can prioritize creativity and authenticity over commercial pressures may ultimately yield music that stands the test of time. His words serve as both a critique and a call to action for the Nigerian music industry to rethink its approach and prioritize lasting impact over fleeting success.
