Whether you want to believe it or not, Nigerian music is one of the hottest commodities on the planet right now. And while I love the artists behind these songs, I can’t deny that stanning Nigerian artists can be exhausting sometimes, especially when it comes to their live shows. 

With one of our faves recently getting arrested for missing his own show, I’ve done some critical thinking and come up with some ways top Nigerian artists can do better for their fans. 

Show up for their shows on time

This has become the norm for Nigerian artists at this point — even recently blown acts who blew yesterday show up late to their concerts. Some apologise, while others just go on like they didn’t leave people waiting  for almost six hours. 

I don’t know about other Nigerians, but the evil Nigerian artists have done is enough. We need justice. 

Sing, don’t shout at us 

Imagine giving myself to capitalism and then using my hard-earned Naira to watch an artist shout at me all night. Is it ment? Even if you don’t have the vocal range, sing to where your voice can reach so we can give you C for effort. If I wanted someone to yell at me, I’d go home and break my mum’s favourite ceramic plate

Give us an actual performance, sis

Nigerian artists need to understand that live shows are more than just trying their hands at Rupaul’s lip sync battle. It’s a SHOW. I’ve heard your voice a million times on Spotify, but now I’m here to be wowed. Remember when Wizkid used tio whine his waist vigorously on stage? Bring that shit back. Entertain me. 

Rehearse before the show to avoid stories that touch 

There’s no reason why an artist should get up on a stage they haven’t seen or rehearsed on before. Absolutely no reason. This is why half of the show is spent fixing technical difficulties. Yes, sis, if you’d rehearsed prior to the show, you’d know that the mic’s wire is too short. 

Bring a live band 

Variety is the spice of life. You won’t die if you shock us with a live band once in a while. It’s not every time, “DJ, play track 15.” Elevate your music by trying to bring something new to it. Give us range!!

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Tell your hype man to be calming down

These days, Nigerian concerts are 20% actual artists singing and the 80% hype man shouting the artist’s names and telling us they’re the baddest. Sir, I know the name of the artist I came to see, you don’t have to keep reminding me. 

Do meet and greet 

Even though I know that this is a reach for Nigerian artists, I’m still on a mission for some one-on-one time with Asake, Adekunle Gold and Tems. Laugh all you want, but that cute meet and greet will happen soon IJMN. 

Be reasonable with your ticket prices

Times are hard, and the naira is doing Buga challenge minus the part where it’s supposed to come back up. The money we used to buy three tickets last year has now turned into money for one. And the performances aren’t slapping like they should for all that money. Artists that tour in the overseas all the time, please, consider us back home and subsidise these prices. Thanks.

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