“There Are Predators in the Industry Trying to Exploit Young Artists” – Qing Madi Speaks Out on Dark Side of Nigerian Music Scene

Rising Afrobeats star Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma, professionally known as Qing Madi, has opened up about the harsh realities young artists face in the Nigerian music industry, describing it as “dark” and exploitative.

In a candid conversation on the Lagos Meets London podcast, the 18-year-old singer-songwriter revealed that her journey into the music world has exposed her to a troubling side of the industry—one dominated by greed, manipulation, and predatory behavior.

“I’ve had so many contract issues,” she shared. “There are people in this industry who are just out for themselves. They’re greedy, and many of them don’t have pure intentions. They want to take advantage of young, unsuspecting artists.”

Qing Madi explained that she initially entered the music scene with simple intentions—to write songs, earn some money, and go back to school. But as her music began to connect with audiences, she found herself pulled deeper into an industry she now sees as problematic for many emerging talents.

“I didn’t come into the industry with big plans. I just wanted to write and leave. But when people started relating to my music, I kept going. Unfortunately, some people behind the scenes aren’t in it for the art. They’re here to exploit.”

She went on to describe the emotional and mental toll the industry can take, particularly on young creatives who are still trying to find their place in the world.

“Sometimes, it doesn’t even feel human,” she admitted. “You feel like a machine—like everyone’s just holding papers and trying to figure out how to make money off you. And all you want is to go home. You barely get time to just be a kid.”

Despite her rising fame, Qing Madi credits her mother for helping her stay grounded amid the chaos of the industry.

“My mom reminds me I’m still a kid in the craziest ways—like asking me to do house chores. It helps me stay human because this life can get overwhelming really fast.”

Qing Madi’s honesty adds to the growing chorus of young artists speaking out about the need for transparency, fairness, and ethical practices in the music industry. Her story serves as both a cautionary tale and a call for change—especially in protecting young, vulnerable creatives from exploitation.