10 Nigerian Music Legends: Why They Should Retire Now

david oluwatosin

Over the decades, the Nigerian
music industry has produced
several legends and most of
these Nigerian Artistes have
done notably well.
It is usually best to bow out of
the stage when the ovation is
loudest, and it’s time for the
following Nigerian Artistes to
take the back seat, mentor the
younger generation and reap
the fruits of their labour.
Some of these entertainers have
been around the music industry
for a decade and more and has
made their fans proud with
good music. Although creativity
and music have nothing to do
with age or duration of service,
these stars have grown to the
point of retirement and need to
give the stage fully to the likes
of Wizkid, Davido, Mr Eazi, Simi,
Falz, et al.
In no particular order, here are
the 10 Nigerian Artistes who
need to take a terminal break
from making new music.
1. Illbliss
The two-time Headies Award
winner, who doubles as a
rapper and the co-founder of
Capital Records, have seen
Chidinma, Phyno, Da Suspect
and more through to success.
Illbliss has served a full-time
tenure in the Nigerian music
industry and needs to take a
rest so his music impact doesn’t
get stale.
2. D’banj
The rise and decline of Dbanj’s
music career suggest that the
fear of Don Jazzy is the
beginning of wisdom. D’banj
remains a music legend
whether he makes another hit
or not, however, it is best he
retires now before his career
gets messy.
3. Banky W
Mr Capable has proven his name
indeed with his consistency in
making good music, however,
the blaze he started with is
gradually getting cold. The best
advice for Banky W will be to
sing one more hit ‘Just to Say
Goodbye’ then move on to
Nollywood. After all, he didn’t do
badly at his first feature ‘The
Wedding Party.’
4. Sound Sultan
Sound Sultan’s voice is as rare
as his writing skills. He is just
one of the few Nigerian artistes
soaring on a different lane and
who tends to add humour to
his lyrics even when he is
addressing serious issues.
But the fact remains – Nigerians
like fresh things and Falz has
just shifted their focus to him.
So, maybe Sound Sultan should
concentrate on writing songs
for his colleagues, that way he
stays relevant while on
indefinite leave.
5. 9ice
Although 9ice released some
cool songs in 2016, none of
them was able to match his
most popular song ‘Gonga Aso’.
His venture into politics may be
his best bet now that his music
is not paying so much,
therefore calling music quit will
not be a bad decision after all.
6. Ice Prince
It’s been a while since Ice Prince
made a significant impact in the
music industry. Maybe it has to
do with him moving on to his
own record label, cos his last
song ‘Chike’ didn’t break
through even when it had
Mavin’s Korede Bello on it. It’s
never too late to Join MI, who
may not really need to retire
formerly, but is already an
active-retired music legend.
7. Eedris Abdulkareem
To some Nigerians, Eedris
Abdulkareem AKA Mr. lecturer
has already retired a long time.
But the truth is, he hasn’t. Eedris
still makes songs but none has
made significant waves after
‘Calabar Girl,’ which was
released in 2010, featuring
Vicky E and the label boss,
Kenny Ogungbe.
8. Ruggedman
The moment Ruggedman left
music business for music
politics by campaigning for
PMAN chairman, he lost his
mojo as a rapper. He hardly
attends events and his social
media status is less than
average. It’s high time he faces
his clothing business and leaves
the rhymes and punchlines for
the newer generation of hip-
hop stars.
9. Terry G
It has been a great journey for
Terry G the ‘Akpako Master’.
However, his ginger can be put
to use in other areas. He could
join politics and campaign for a
change in the street life of
Nigerian musicians. Who
knows, he could make a good
youth president.
10. 2face Idibia
Wondering why the Baba
himself is on this list? First, he
deserves a standing ovation for
passing through the fire to get
to this point. From the days
of Plantashun Boiz to his
present solo career, Tuface
remains the biggest thing to
happen to African music as a
whole.
In as much as his relevance is
still needed in the music scene,
he needs to take a rest and
spend quality time with himself,
his lovely wife and all seven of
his children. Besides, a legend at
forty is a legend forever, his
legacy lives on.

10 Nigerian Music Legends: Why They Should Retire Now

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