Afrobeats veteran Gabriel Oche Amanyi, widely known as Terry G, has called on Nigerians to give due respect to music legends, regardless of whether they are still in the spotlight.
He expressed concern over the tendency of Nigerians to dismiss influential artists simply because they are considered “outdated.” According to him, unlike in Africa, the Western world continues to honour and celebrate their music legends long after their prime.
Terry G, popularly known as the Akpako Master, warned that if Nigerians fail to recognize and appreciate the pioneers of the industry, Afrobeats risks losing its global relevance, no matter how successful it becomes.
Taking to his X account, he shared:
“I hear people say, ‘Your time don pass!’—and it sounds like brain damage.
In the West, legends are respected for life. No one calls Jay-Z or Beyoncé outdated. Their impact is honoured.
But here in Africa, especially Nigeria, we’re quick to discard our own. That’s why we believe our ancestors were evil, while Western ancestors are seen as gods.
It’s time to break free from that mindset. If you don’t keep adding value to yourself and those around you, your worth will fade—no matter how great you once were. We must do better.”
His remarks have sparked conversations online, with many agreeing that African legends deserve more recognition and lasting respect.