Image: File Photo
Our beloved country might have to bite this bullet after Apple Music released the hottest 100 songs topping the charts, and the list is embarrassingly void of local talent.
The list cuts across all the music genres of Afropop, gospel high life, hip-hop, trap, and so on.
Of these 100 songs, 89 songs are Nigerian, 9 songs are American and only 2 songs are Kenyan; ‘Inauma’ and ‘Dimensions’ by Bien.
This was made known after Nigerian record producer Don Jazzy took to Twitter to thank Kenyans for pushing the song ‘Rush’ by Ayra Starr, a record he produced, to the number one spot on the list.
“E Day rush for Kenya. Thanks for the No 1 guys. Congratulations @ayrastarr,” tweeted Don Jazzy.
But where the producer’s intentions were pure and kindhearted, Nigerians on Twitter had a completely different idea.
For them, it was the perfect opportunity to open fire and clown our local music industry; taking into consideration our rocky relationship with them online.
This does raise some valid questions regarding the homegrown talent that we have. Why is it that their ‘sound’ struggles to tap into the local market, let alone the global one?
Who do we place the blame on; is it the artists, the record labels and promoters, or the local audience?
It makes for a good discussion. One thing we can all agree on is that each party can improve upon its role.
Even still, it would be wrong to underplay what Sauti Sol’s Bien has accomplished.
He has managed to hold his own against some heavy hitters and is a good indicator of what could be possible for the rest of our local acts if they locked in.
The band's lead singer has always stayed cool, calm, and collected. Keeping himself grounded in terms of his art. It is these few traits that have helped him stand out from his peers.
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