There’s a video of singer Waje that’s trending on social media and that video has given us reasons to pause and reflect on the illusions of the Nigerian music industry.
In the video, the singer and mum of one is talking about how expensive it is to make music and promote music in Nigeria.
“I don’t have money for publicity, I want to quit,” she says in the video.
It’s such a raw and vulnerable moment. The singer speaks passionately and boldly about how much effort she has poured into her music craft and how the gains have been less than expected and far in-between. She talks about her passion for music and trying to balance her finances.
It’s truly a rare glimpse into what music stars in the Nigerian music industry go through – beyond the glitz and glam of social media.