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Joey Akan, a Nigerian music journalist and founder of Afrobeats Intelligence, has attracted attention online after creating a cruel and honest view of the current state of the Nigerian music industry.
In the virus post on X, Joey didn’t back down as he described his opinion that Afrobeats’ slow but steady decline in its growth and influence on the global stage:
“Many of our artists can’t go back to the comfortable place a few years ago. We are being cancelled or cut back on our capabilities.
We work as a collective to determine the right collaboration.
We can’t even get into 100 people outside the Sahara or the 100 colder ones.
Our Tiktok hits are muted. Or they experienced a failed flight attempt.
We no longer affect global pop music carousels.
We no longer break superstars at home. It only raises the hope of the sub-genre.
Our country has gotten worse, and with it the value of our efforts. Even our insignificant streams are considered low quality.
We are experiencing degradation. The deep cultural shrinking composition, art becomes blurred, and ecosystems scramble to support the valley.
Stop calling it culture! ”
Joey’s claim sparked a heated debate in the music industry, with some praising his boldness, while others thought he was drawing an overly grim picture.
