Veteran Afrobeats artist Gabriel Oche Amanyi, popularly known as Terry G, has called on Nigerian music lovers to show greater respect to industry pioneers and music legends—even if they’re no longer dominating the charts.
In a passionate post shared via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, the Akpako Master expressed disappointment over how quickly Nigerian fans dismiss veteran artists as “outdated,” arguing that such attitudes undermine the cultural foundation of Afrobeats.
“I hear people say, ‘Your time don pass,’ and honestly, it sounds like brain damage,” he wrote. “In the West, legends are respected for life. No one dares call Jay-Z or Beyoncé outdated—their impact is constantly acknowledged and celebrated.”
Terry G contrasted this with the treatment of music legends in Nigeria and Africa at large, where he says artists are often discarded once their commercial peak fades. He linked this mindset to a broader issue of cultural self-devaluation.
“In Africa—especially Nigeria—we’re too quick to forget those who paved the way. That’s the same reason we demonize our ancestors while idolizing Western ones as gods,” he said.
The singer warned that if this lack of appreciation continues, Afrobeats could lose its cultural depth and longevity, no matter how successful it becomes globally.
“It’s time to break free from that mindset,” he urged. “If we don’t add value to ourselves and those who came before us, even the greatest achievements will fade. We must do better.”
Terry G’s message serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of preserving legacy, showing appreciation, and building a culture that honors its icons—not erases them.
