Nigerian Music Veterans React to the New Generation Taking Over in 2025 | Latest Naija Entertainment News
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The Industry Is Changing — Fast
If you’ve been following latest Naija entertainment news, then you already know one thing: 2025 is not business as usual for Nigerian music.
From TikTok hitmakers blowing overnight to Gen Z artists skipping record labels entirely, the industry is moving at lightning speed. But while fans are vibing and streaming nonstop, the real conversations are happening behind the scenes — especially among Nigerian music industry veterans.
This year, some of the biggest OGs — producers, label bosses, and legendary artists — have been speaking out about the new generation of Nigerian musicians, and their opinions are deep, sometimes controversial, and very revealing.
So what are Nigerian music veterans really saying about the new generation in 2025?
Are they impressed, worried, inspired… or frustrated?
Let’s break it down with facts, cultural insight, and real industry commentary — no sugarcoating, no unnecessary beef.
🎼 The Primary Conversation in 2025: Talent vs Longevity
One phrase keeps popping up whenever industry elders talk:
“These kids are talented, but can they last?”
This isn’t hate — it’s experience talking.
Veterans like ID Cabasa, Eldee, Obi Asika, and MI Abaga have repeatedly acknowledged that today’s artists are extremely gifted. But they also point out that talent alone no longer guarantees longevity.
Back in the day:
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You needed years of grinding
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Studio discipline
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Live performance mastery
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Industry relationships
Today?
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One viral TikTok
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A catchy 15-second hook
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Boom — international deal
According to Cabasa during a recent industry roundtable:
“The new generation is winning fast, but fast money can also end fast.”
That statement alone summarizes how many veterans feel about the current wave.
🚀 What Veterans Actually Admire About the New Generation
Let’s clear the air — this is not an attack piece.
Most Nigerian music veterans are actually proud of the new generation, and they’ve said it repeatedly.
✅ 1. Digital Savviness Is a Superpower
One major difference veterans openly admire is how smart Gen Z artists are with the internet.
They understand:
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TikTok algorithms
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Streaming numbers
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Fan engagement
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Visual branding
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Meme culture
Unlike the old days where artists depended heavily on:
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Radio stations
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Alaba marketers
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TV airplay
Today’s artists can go global from their bedroom.
As Obi Asika once said:
“This generation understands attention. And attention is currency.”
✅ 2. Fearless Sound Experimentation
Veterans have also praised how the new generation:
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Mix Afrobeats with Amapiano
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Infuse Alté, Drill, Soul, and EDM
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Ignore genre boundaries
Artists like Rema, Ayra Starr, Seyi Vibez, and Asake didn’t wait for permission — they created new lanes.
Compared to the structured era of the early 2000s, this freedom has impressed industry elders deeply.
✅ 3. Global Confidence Without Apology
Unlike previous generations that tried to “sound Western,” today’s artists are proudly Nigerian.
Veterans often highlight:
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Yoruba, Igbo, and street slang in lyrics
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Cultural visuals
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Indigenous rhythms
MI Abaga once noted:
“These kids don’t ask if the world will accept them. They assume it will.”
That mindset shift is powerful.
⚠️Where Veterans Are Concerned: The Hard Truths
Now let’s talk about the real worries — because this is where things get spicy.
❌ 1. Short Attention Span & Inconsistency
One major complaint from veterans is lack of patience.
Many new artists:
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Drop songs too quickly
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Abandon projects halfway
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Chase trends instead of identity
Back then, albums were treated like life missions.
Today?
Some artists drop EPs like Instagram captions.
A respected producer put it bluntly:
“If you don’t know who you are musically, the algorithm will swallow you.”
❌ 2. Weak Live Performance Culture
This is a big one.
Veterans complain that many new artists:
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Can’t perform live without backing tracks
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Struggle with crowd control
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Avoid band rehearsals
Live shows used to separate stars from hype.
In 2025, some artists go viral but panic on big stages.
This has serious implications for:
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Touring revenue
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International bookings
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Festival credibility
❌ 3. Industry Politics Ignorance
Many veterans believe the new generation underestimates music business politics.
They warn about:
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Bad contracts
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Exploitative deals
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Streaming manipulation
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Label traps
Some Gen Z artists assume virality equals freedom — veterans know better.
As one former label exec said:
“The industry will always collect its own.”
🧠 Case Study: From Alaba to Algorithm — My Industry Observation
Covering Nigerian music for years, I’ve seen three major eras:
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Alaba Market Era – Physical hustle
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CD & Radio Era – Gatekeepers ruled
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Algorithm Era – Fans decide
The new generation is winning the third era — but many don’t study the first two.
Veterans aren’t angry — they’re trying to transfer wisdom before history repeats itself.
Sadly, wisdom doesn’t trend on TikTok.
🎤 Social Media Reactions: Fans vs Veterans
On Twitter (X) and Instagram, fans often push back whenever veterans speak up.
Common fan comments include:
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“Let the old men rest”
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“Times have changed”
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“They’re just jealous”
But interestingly, some younger artists have started listening.
In private conversations, many admit:
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They feel overwhelmed
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Fame came too fast
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Pressure is real
Veterans aren’t enemies — they’re manuals many refuse to read.
If you’re serious about understanding entertainment beyond music alone, check out these deep-dive features on NaijaScene:
-
Nigeria News and Gossip: The Untold Stories Shaping 2025
👉 https://www.naijascene.com/2025/09/nigeria-news-and-gossip-untold-stories.html -
Nigerian News and Gossip: Latest Updates
👉 https://www.naijascene.com/2025/08/nigerian-news-and-gossip-latest-updates.html
These stories show how music, culture, fame, and power intersect in Nigeria today.
💡 What Veterans Want the New Generation to Learn
Let’s summarize the actual advice, not the noise.
Veterans want Gen Z artists to:
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Build identity, not just virality
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Learn performance craft
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Understand contracts
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Respect legacy, not copy it
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Think long-term, not just now-now
It’s not about age — it’s about sustainability.
Final Thoughts: This Is Not a War — It’s a Transition
Every generation thinks the next one is reckless.
Every new generation thinks the old one is outdated.
But Nigerian music has always thrived when experience meets innovation.
2025 is a crossroads year.
If the new generation listens just enough — and veterans adapt just enough — Nigerian music will continue dominating the world.
Wetin you think about this matter?
Are the veterans right, or should they allow the new generation cook in peace?
Drop your thoughts for comment section! 👇🔥
#NaijaEntertainment, #NigerianMusic2025, #AfrobeatsCulture, #NaijaScene
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