Terry G Urges Nigerians to Honour Music Legends
Nigerian singer and producer Gabriel Oche Amanyi, popularly known as Terry G, has called on fans and industry observers to show greater respect for music veterans, warning that the habit of dismissing pioneers as “outdated” could harm the future of Afrobeats.
In a post shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, the self-styled Akpako Master expressed frustration over what he described as a cultural tendency to disregard artists once their popularity wanes. He compared this with how musical legends are treated in Western countries, where artists like Jay-Z and Beyoncé continue to receive widespread reverence regardless of how long they’ve been in the spotlight.
“I hear people say, ‘Your time don pass!’ – and it sounds like brain damage,” Terry G wrote. “In the West, legends are respected for life. No one calls Jay-Z or Beyoncé outdated. Their impact is honoured.”
He added that this disregard for past contributions is part of a larger mindset issue in African societies, especially in Nigeria, where people are often quick to dismiss their cultural figures and ancestors, while glorifying those from other parts of the world.
“If you don’t keep adding value to yourself and those around you, your worth will fade – no matter how great you once were,” he cautioned. “We must do better.”
Terry G’s comments come amid growing discussions around legacy, recognition, and the sustainability of the Afrobeats movement, especially as younger artists continue to gain global attention. Many industry stakeholders have echoed similar concerns, calling for the establishment of stronger structures to celebrate and preserve the contributions of Nigerian music pioneers.
