Nigerian afrobeat artist, Mayorkun, has cautioned upcoming artistes against copying the “mysterious” public image of afrobeat star Wizkid, warning that such an approach could make them lose public attention before establishing themselves in the music industry.
The singer advised emerging musicians to prioritise building their careers, gaining visibility and connecting with fans rather than imitating the lifestyle and public persona of already established artistes.
According to Mayorkun, maintaining a low profile like Wizkid without first building a strong reputation could cause upcoming musicians to fade into obscurity.
He stressed the importance of being visible and developing a loyal fan base before adopting a more private approach to public life.
Wizkid, whose real name is Ayodeji Balogun, is one of Nigeria’s leading afrobeat artistes and is known for keeping much of his personal life away from public attention.
Mayorkun, whose real name is Adewale Mayowa, gained prominence in 2016 with his breakout single, Eleko, after joining Davido’s record label, Davido Music Worldwide.
He has since established himself in the Nigerian music industry with hit songs such as Mama, Che Che and Betty Butter, featuring Davido.
Mayorkun’s advice highlights the importance of visibility and audience engagement for emerging artistes seeking to establish their identities in the competitive music industry.