Entertainment
Imitation in Afrobeats: Is It still the highest form of flattery?
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Imitation in Afrobeats: Is – In Nigerian mainstream pop…
In Nigerian mainstream pop music, it’s not uncommon for artists to gravitate towards whatever the trending sound, style, or even thought process is in a desire to ingrain themselves in consumers’ consciousness. 14-time Grammy winner Pharrell Williams said it best when he posited that there’s nothing new under the sun and all art forms are derivations of a myriad of existing creations. Also, artists are inspired by the works of musicians before them whose efforts popularised a sound, shaped an era, and connected with a generation. 2Baba, Wande Coal, Wizkid, and Rema are artists who have had a palpable impact on the Nigerian soundscape across different eras. In the last few years, Amapiano has held sway in Nigerian music, and its popularity is highly engineered by the vibrant works of hitmaker Asake whose fusion delivered an exciting sound other artists were eager to mirror. It’s common practice for artists to draw inspiration from the works of others. After all, nothing is new under the sun and imitation is the highest form of flattery. However, can imitation become too much such that it moves from flattery to artistic laziness, and turns into a problematic trend? Should there be a limit to drawing inspiration? There’s a thin line between drawing inspiration and imitation. While the former is artistically applauded, the latter is mostly frowned upon. The recent case of Flavour and KCee offers an insight into how artists can frown at what they perceive to be a decided effort to copy their work. Flavour’s claims come after KCee teased a new song with Igbo music legend Theresa Onourah just weeks after Larry Gaaga featured her, Flavour, and Phyno on a song. KCee was also accused of hijacking the Ojapiano niche from Kolaboy who initially fused the Log drum and Oja flute for a captivating hybrid. Similarly, several Afropop stars like Rema, Omah Lay, and even Victony have consistently claimed that many artists are trying to mirror their style. Ordinarily, one would expect that these artists will be flattered by the fact that other musicians see them as worthy icons to imitate. However, in the highly competitive Nigerian music pop scene, excessively biting off an artist’s style might not considered flattering. Culture Writer Nonso Iheakire said that the issues stem from the use of a small set of producers by most artists. He points out that the issues are further compounded by the desire to follow a strict pop template. “I think the problem is in how much mindless lifting is being done today. And the reasons are the commerce behind it and the same talent pool of producers. I think they should stop rotating producers and creating music with a strict pop template. It’s not a problem to imitate if you do it creatively.” Iheakire points out that while several artists have Burna Boy’s vocal texture and cadence, the Grammy winner still manages to stand out because he’s decidedly committed to keeping things varied and exciting. “A lot of artists sound like Burna Boy. Even Burna Boy sounds a lot like different people from different climes yet he is distinct because he knows how to keep things varied.” Music Executive Honour Aghedo says artists are influenced by similar realities hence the reason they sound alike, and this has been strongly amplified by the advent of music streaming. “Artists have always sounded alike across different eras of music because they are influenced by the sample reality, work with similar producers, and make similar sounds. The reason it looks so bad in Afrobeats is because it’s amplified by the streaming era.” He said while imitation isn’t a problem when artists are starting out, they must learn to find their voices. “The thing is when artists start out, the first step is often to imitate another artist they look up to but as they get older, they have to find their unique sounds”. The art of imitation is a trend that transcends even the streaming era of Nigerian music which is currently enjoying a commercial peak with the democratisation of music creation leading to the introduction of more artists. A bulk of these artists quite understandably gravitate toward the popular sound in a bid to achieve commercial success. Is imitation still the highest form of flattery? This writer very much thinks so. Is Nigerian mainstream pop music increasingly monotonous? Many would agree. Hence, there’s a need for artists, especially emerging talents, to craft their identities even while channelling the cadences of the artists that inspire them. Pursuing originality will not only distinguish them but also make them stars whose artistry will be imitated by future generations.
#Imitation #Afrobeats #highest #form #flattery
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Entertainment
Rema's 'Is It A Crime' is the most streamed Nigerian song of 2025 so far on Spotify
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2025 is already picking up the pace in Nigerian music, with several stars kicking off what is expected to be another album-filled year.
Rema‘s ‘Baby (Is It A Crime)’ is the most streamed Nigerian song of 2025 so far on Spotify.
The single released on February 7, 2024, after weeks of anticipation samples the track ‘Is It A Crime’ from the iconic ‘Promise’ album by British band Sade.
Three weeks after its release, Rema’s new single is leading the list of the most streamed Nigerian songs of 2025 on Spotify with just over 14 million streams.
OdumoduBlvck’s new single ‘Pity This Boy’ featuring Victony is off to a brilliant start having garnered 7.5 million streams. 2025 is already off to an eventful start for the rapper who recently secured 8 nominations including Next Rated for the 17th Headies.
Gospel Star Lawrence Oyor‘s ‘Favour’ has made an early impact in 2025 thanks to its message of hope that has helped it to secure 6.6 million streams.
Asake kicked off 2025 with the single ‘Why Love,’ which has accumulated 3.2 million streams so far.
Other songs in the top 10 include Ayra Starr‘s ‘All The Love’ and Burna Boy‘s latest single update, which precedes his highly anticipated eighth album, ‘No Signs of Weakness’.
Top 10 most streamed Nigerian songs of 2025 so far on Spotify. (Feb 24)
1. Rema – Baby (Is it a Crime) — 14.28M
2. OdumoduBlvck feat Victony – PITY THIS BOY — 7.58M
3. Lawrence Oyor – Favour — 6.6M
4. Asake – WHY LOVE — 3.25M
5. Teni – Money — 2.97M
6. JoBlaq feat Zinoleesky – Jo Vibe Remix — 2.93M
7. Ayo Maff – Panic — 2.25M
8. Kunmie – Arike — 2.25M
9. Ayra Starr – All The Love — 2M
10. Burna Boy – Update — 1.99M
Most streamed 2025 Nigerian songs on Spotify so far:
1️⃣ Baby (Is it a Crime) — 14.28M
2️⃣ PITY THIS BOY — 7.58M
3️⃣ Favour — 6.6M
4️⃣ WHY LOVE — 3.25M
5️⃣ Money — 2.97M ⬆️
6️⃣ Jo Vibe Remix — 2.93M ⬇️
7️⃣ Panic — 2.25M
8️⃣ Arike — 2.25M ⬆️
9️⃣ All The Love — 2M ⬇️
🔟 Update — 1.99M 🆕— The Debut Hub (@thedebuthub) February 23, 2025
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Entertainment
Portable turns trial into music, announces new EP 'Ogo Most Wanted'
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Street hop star Portable isn’t one to let a news-making moment go to waste hence little wonder he’s documenting his current legal trial in his music.
The singer has taken to his Instagram page to announce a new project titled ‘Ogo Most Wanted’ which comes amidst his ongoing battles with the Ogun State Police who recently declared him wanted for assaulting government officials.
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Entertainment
Circuits Launches Film Veterans' Dignity Fund to Honour Nollywood Veterans
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Circuits, Africa’s premier virtual cinema platform, has launched the Film Veterans’ Dignity Fund—a first-of-its-kind initiative in Nigeria designed to recognise the contributions of veterans who have shaped Nigeria’s film industry.
The fund, which targets film veterans aged 70 and above, offers a monthly stipend for life as well as a comprehensive health insurance programme currently provided by Nem Health Insurance.
Between 30 January and 1 February 2025, ceremonies held in Lagos and Ibadan saw the very first three Veterans honoured for their enduring influence on Nollywood. Among the distinguished recipients were; Chief Pete Edochie, MON; Idowu Philips, popularly known as Iya Rainbow; and Chief Lere Paimo, MFR.
Each honouree was presented with a commemorative award recognising their significant contributions to the Nigerian film industry, received their first monthly stipend, and was enrolled in a comprehensive health insurance programme.
In a video interview during the event, Idowu Philips, popularly known as Iya Rainbow, expressed her gratitude for the initiative.
Many have promised to look after our legacy, but Circuits is the only one who has truly kept their word. It is heartening to finally receive this long-awaited recognition.
In his video interview, Chief Pete Edochie praised the initiative, saying it was a great honour to have his work in social development through films recognised. He mentioned that the monthly payments he receives feel like retirement benefits, leaving him very happy and proud to see his lifelong work acknowledged.
In his interview, Chief Lere Paimo, MFR, expressed his gratitude to Circuits and praised their efforts in honouring veterans like himself. He stated that this award holds greater significance than any he has received before.
The launch has also resonated with other seasoned players in the industry. Notably, acclaimed actress Kate Henshaw has publicly championed the cause, praising the initiative for its timely recognition of Nollywood’s stalwarts.
The announcement has garnered widespread support on social media, with many expressing admiration for the commitment to honouring the pioneers who have laid the foundations of Nigerian cinema.
The Film Veterans’ Dignity Fund arrives at a time when Nollywood is enjoying renewed global interest, and its establishment is being viewed as an important step in preserving the cultural and historical heritage of the industry.
By offering both financial security and healthcare support, the initiative provides a meaningful legacy for those who have dedicated their lives to storytelling in Nigeria.
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