Around 14 years ago, a common issue circulated within the Nigerian music scene: when a lesser-known artist teamed up with a more prominent figure, there was often tension if the latter performed the song alone. This led to dissatisfaction among the smaller artist, feeling overshadowed and marginalized.
A notable example was the conflict between AYdot com and Terry G regarding their joint track “Pass me your Love.” Media reports were rife with AYdot com expressing frustration over Terry G solo performances of the song, claiming it affected his chances of getting live performance bookings.
However, a significant shift in perspective has emerged in today’s music landscape. Smaller artists may now welcome the idea of more prominent figures performing their songs independently. Even artists within the same category endorse this approach.
This change can be attributed to exposure and revenue. With streaming dominating music consumption, having a renowned artist endorse your track can significantly enhance its visibility, leading to increased streams and earnings for all involved parties.
Reflecting on the past, it’s evident that when a more prominent artist performed a song, it inevitably boosted its popularity. While every artist has the right to perform a song they feature on, the previous reactions from smaller artists often stemmed from a lack of understanding about the complexities of the industry.
Fast forward to the present, smaller artists are now more informed and financially savvy. They understand that having a renowned artist endorse their work not only amplifies exposure but also translates into tangible financial gains, as exemplified by Skale recently acknowledging Burnaboy for performing their collaborative song “Temper Remix” in his Instagram post, where he expressed joy in seeing their creation being celebrated as an evergreen classic.
The dynamics of the game have evolved, leading to changes in strategies employed by its participants.
