The Nigerian music industry is currently buzzing following a "no-holds-barred" interview by the legendary talent manager and Grammy-nominated songwriter, Bankulli. Known for his deep roots in the global rise of Afrobeats, Bankulli didn't mince words when addressing the new crop of artists flooding the scene.
His message was clear: "You can’t just wake up and decide you are a musician because you have a ring light and a TikTok account."
The "Fast-Track" Trap
Speaking with HipTV earlier today, March 10, 2026, Bankulli expressed concern over what he calls the "Microwave Era" of Nigerian music. He argued that many rising stars are more obsessed with the lifestyle—the private jets, the jewelry, and the viral moments—than the actual craft of making timeless music.
"Talent is only 10% of this game," Bankulli stated. "What we are seeing now is a lot of noise and very little substance. You see people chasing the 'Portable' formula—viral today, gone tomorrow—without understanding that even someone like Portable has a street-certified brand that took years to build."
The Gold Standard: Tiwa Savage and Longevity
To drive his point home, Bankulli cited Tiwa Savage as the perfect example of what it means to be a "complete" artist. He noted that her recent launch of a music foundation in Lagos and her partnership with Berklee College of Music proves that she understands the "business of the show," not just the show itself.
The Discipline: He emphasized that Tiwa didn't become a "Queen" overnight; she spent years as a backup singer and songwriter globally before taking center stage.
The Warning: Bankulli warned that if the industry continues to prioritize "vibes" over "vocal training and songwriting," the global dominance of Afrobeats might hit a brick wall.
Is the Industry Losing Its Soul?
Bankulli’s comments have already ignited a firestorm on X (formerly Twitter). While some fans agree that modern lyrics are becoming "watered down," others argue that the "fast-track" method is simply the new reality of the digital age.
What do you think?
Is Bankulli right that new artists are lazy?
Or is he just an "OG" who doesn't understand the power of a 15-second viral hit?
Drop your comments below! Let’s settle this in the comment section.
#Bankulli #Afrobeats #Tiwa Savage #NigerianMusic #MusicIndustry #FastTrackStars #TrendingNow
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