Remember how good it felt to play your favourite song on repeat? Back in the day, whether you had a CD player or a cassette, some songs just stuck with you.
Think about it. Fela’s “Zombie” still electrifies crowds decades later. 2face’s “African Queen” continues to make hearts melt, and who can resist a good old-fashioned “Oruka” singalong? These songs weren’t just hits; they were woven into the fabric of our culture. They had a message, a depth that transcended generations.
They were like the soundtrack to our lives.
These days, Afrobeats is everywhere, and the energy is off the hook! New songs drop every minute, but something feels different. They’re catchy, sure, but do they have that staying power? That’s what I’m wondering.
Even Del B, a super talented producer who’s made tons of hits, feels the same way. On a podcast called “Recollection Tapes with Ronkay,” he talked about how everyone’s chasing numbers now.
It’s all about who has the most streams and who’s trending, but what about the music itself? It’s like people care more about being popular than making something truly special.
And you can see it happening! That song that was blowing up a few months ago? You barely hear it anymore. It’s like it disappeared! Streaming numbers show that songs get a ton of plays when they first come out, but then people move on super fast.
Part of it is because the music industry is all about what’s hot right now. Artists and producers feel the pressure to keep up with trends instead of taking their time to create something meaningful.
And when artists collaborate, it’s often because they’re both popular, not necessarily because their styles fit well together. It’s like everyone’s playing it safe, which can make the music sound kind of same-y after a while.
But it’s not just the music industry; we’re all listening to music differently too. With streaming services, we’ve got every song at our fingertips, but that also means we’re always looking for the next best thing. We skip songs before they even finish, constantly searching for that new vibe.
Now, I’m not saying every song has to be a classic. It’s awesome to have fun, dancey songs! But wouldn’t it be great to have more songs that stick with us? Songs that make us feel something deep down?
Maybe it’s time for a change. We can all be more thoughtful about the music we listen to. Instead of just chasing the hype, let’s try to find those artists who are making music from the heart, the ones who want to create something that lasts.
Let’s bring back the magic of songs that truly speak to our souls— the ones we’ll still be singing along to years from now!
So, what do you think? Have we traded in our timeless tunes for fleeting trends? Are there recent hits you think will still be around in years to come? Hit the comments and let’s get this conversation started! Let’s show the Nigerian music scene that we crave those unforgettable melodies that stay with us long after the last note fades away.
