Afrobeats sensation Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma, widely recognized as Qing Madi, has once again voiced her concerns about the Nigerian music scene, describing it as “dark.”
The 18-year-old artist alleged that the industry is filled with individuals who prey on young and upcoming talents, often luring them into unfair contract deals. Drawing from her personal journey, Qing Madi pointed out that many music executives operate out of greed and self-interest.
She recently appeared on an episode of the Lagos Meets London podcast, where she opened up about the challenges she has faced since stepping into the limelight.
“I have had so many contact issues. So many issues where professionals in the industry were just like… People in the music industry are just out for themselves. They are so greedy and they just want to take advantage of you. The [music] industry is dark.
Because I have seen that firsthand, I came into the industry accidentally. I just wanted to write music and get money and go to school but people started relating to my music and I put out more. But some people’s motive is not the purest so it’s going to affect how you work as a creative.”
When asked how she manages her personal life alongside her growing music career, Qing Madi shared that her mother helps keep her grounded by reminding her to stay in touch with normal life.
“My mom tries to remind me that I’m a kid in the most insane ways by asking me to do house chores just so I know I’m still a human being and need to relax. Because sometimes, it doesn’t even feel human.
Sometimes, it’s just like you are a machine and everyone just got papers looking at you trying to figure out how to make money off you. And I’m like, please, I want to go home. It’s like you really don’t get enough time to be human and be someone’s kid. It’s really messed up. It’s crazy.”