The Nigerian music industry is currently abuzz after the legendary talent manager and Grammy-nominated songwriter sat down for an interview with No Holds Barred, Bankuli. Bankuli is known for his profound influence on the rise of Afrobeats around the world, and he doesn’t mince words when it comes to the new crop of artists flooding the scene.
His message is clear: “You can’t just wake up and identify yourself as a musician because you have a ring light and a TikTok account.”
“Fast Track” Trap
talk with hip hop tv Earlier today, March 10, 2026, Bankuli expressed concern over what he described as the “microwave age” of Nigerian music. He believes many up-and-comers are more obsessed with lifestyle — private jets, jewelry and viral moments — than the actual craft of making timeless music.
“Talent is only 10 percent of the game,” Bankuli said. “What we’re seeing now is a lot of noise and very little substance. You’re seeing people chasing the ‘Portable’ formula — popular today, gone tomorrow — without realizing that even a company like Portable has a street-proven brand that’s been built over many years.”
The Gold Standard: Tiwa Savagery and Longevity
To illustrate his point, Bankuli quoted Tiwa Savage A perfect example of what it means to be a “complete” artist. He noted that she had recently established a music foundation in Lagos and had Berklee College of Music Proof that she understands “the business of the show,” not just the show itself.
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discipline: He emphasized that Tiwa did not become a “queen” overnight; She spent many years as a backup singer and songwriter around the world before taking center stage.
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warn: Bankuli warned that the global dominance of Afrobeats could be in trouble if the industry continued to prioritize “vibes” over “vocal training and songwriting”.
Has the industry lost its soul?
Bankulli’s comments have already caused an uproar on X (formerly Twitter). While some fans agree that modern lyrics are becoming “watered down,” others believe that the “fast track” approach is simply the new reality of the digital age.
What do you think?
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