The Nigerian music industry, often regarded as one of the most dynamic and influential in Africa, has witnessed a tremendous boom over the past few years.
However, the rapid growth of the industry has come with some drawbacks.
According to popular Nigerian On-Air Personality (OAP), Do2dtun Energy gAD, many songs produced in the last five years lack longevity.
Do2dtun, known for his insightful commentary on the entertainment industry, recently shared his thoughts on the current state of Nigerian music.
He argued that most of the songs released in the last half-decade would soon be forgotten, not because they aren't good, but because the market has become oversaturated.
There are simply too many songs being made in a rush, driven by the pressure to be heard and to make an impact.
In his tweet, Do2dtun highlighted that the focus has shifted from creating timeless music to creating hits that will get attention in the short term.
"Most of the songs made now in the last five years have no longevity," he stated, acknowledging that it’s not necessarily a reflection of the quality of the music, but rather the frenetic pace at which the industry operates.
The pressure to stay relevant in an ever-evolving market has led many artists to churn out songs without fully considering their long-term impact.
This rush to release music, according to Do2dtun, is a result of the industry’s growing competition.
With the rise of social media and streaming platforms, there is an overwhelming number of songs flooding the market daily.
Artists are no longer able to take their time to perfect their craft, as the fear of being overshadowed by the next viral sensation forces them to prioritize speed over substance.
"The market is oversaturated with so many songs made in a haste. It’s a race to be heard, a number game over anything else," Do2dtun pointed out.
This race for attention has led to the creation of music that, while catchy and popular in the moment, fails to leave a lasting impression on listeners.
Unlike the classics of the past, which continue to resonate with fans long after their release, many modern songs struggle to stand the test of time.
This sense of urgency is compounded by the growing pressure within the industry itself.
As Do2dtun noted, many artists are now creating music not just to satisfy their creative urges but to meet the demands of an audience that craves instant gratification.
The pressure to constantly release new music has led to a shift in focus from artistic expression to marketing strategies.
"The music industry in Nigeria is pressured," Do2dtun emphasized. "Some songs these artistes make lately are to satisfy an attention-seeking audience; compete with themselves over satisfying their conscience."
In a market where the desire for instant fame and recognition often outweighs the desire for artistic integrity, it’s no surprise that many songs lack the staying power of their predecessors.
However, Do2dtun’s comments are not entirely critical.
He acknowledges that the artists are doing their best in a challenging environment.
He suggests that if artists were given the freedom to be selfish with their creativity, they could produce better music.
"If we let them be selfish with their creativity sometimes, you will get the best out of them," he said.
This sentiment reflects a broader issue within the industry: the balance between commercial success and artistic freedom.
In a world where music is consumed at an alarming rate, it’s easy to see why many artists feel the need to put out songs quickly to stay relevant.
With streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, music is more accessible than ever before.
While this has opened doors for many up-and-coming artists, it has also created an environment where songs are often consumed and discarded just as quickly.
The result is a generation of music that may not stand the test of time.
For every song that goes viral, there are countless others that fade into obscurity.
The idea of "timeless" music, which continues to be loved and remembered for years, is becoming increasingly rare.
Do2dtun’s observations are a wake-up call for the Nigerian music industry.
While the industry continues to thrive, the rush to release music at the expense of longevity could have lasting consequences.
Artists need to find a way to balance the demands of the market with their creative instincts.
After all, music is meant to be more than just a commodity to be consumed and discarded.
It’s a form of art that should be able to withstand the test of time.
The conversation around the longevity of music is not limited to Nigeria.
Globally, the music industry has experienced a shift towards short-term success over long-lasting impact.
The rise of digital platforms has democratized the music industry, but it has also led to a devaluation of music as a cultural product.
In the past, albums were anticipated events that were carefully crafted by artists.
Today, singles dominate the market, and the idea of an album as a cohesive work of art is becoming less common.
As the industry continues to evolve, it’s important to reflect on the role of music in our lives.
Will we continue to embrace the fast-paced, disposable nature of modern music, or will we seek out songs that resonate with us on a deeper level?
Do2dtun’s comments highlight an important truth about the current state of Nigerian music: while the industry may be thriving in terms of quantity, the question of quality and longevity remains unanswered.
For the artists, producers, and fans alike, it’s worth considering whether the rush to release hits is ultimately worth sacrificing the lasting impact that music can have on our culture and our hearts.
As Nigerian music continues to shape global trends, only time will tell whether the industry will strike a balance between the fast-paced demands of modern music and the timeless appeal of songs that resonate for generations to come.
For now, it seems that the pressure to compete in an oversaturated market is forcing many artists to focus on creating music that is momentarily relevant rather than timelessly influential.
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