Dotun Speaks Out on the Short-Lived Nature of Afrobeats Songs and the Industry’s Pressure

Media personality Dotun has raised concerns about the lack of longevity in Afrobeats songs, particularly those released in the last five years. According to Dotun, the current state of the music industry has led to a saturation of content, causing many tracks to fade from memory too quickly.

The Impact of Content Saturation on Afrobeats Music Longevity

Dotun argues that the industry’s focus on constantly producing new content has resulted in an overcrowded market, where songs are often rushed to meet demand, preventing listeners from forming lasting connections with them. He believes that this “race to be heard” mentality has made music more about numbers than genuine artistic expression.

In a post shared on his X account, Dotun explained, “Most of the songs made now in the last five years have no longevity. You might not remember them, not because they are not good enough, but because the market is oversaturated with so many songs made in haste.”

Creative Freedom Could Lead to Better Music, Says Dotun

Dotun went on to suggest that the key to producing better-quality music lies in giving artists the freedom to be more creative and less focused on pleasing the audience or following trends. He believes that when artists are allowed to be selfish with their creativity, it will result in more authentic and memorable songs.

He further commented, “The music industry in Nigeria is pressured. Some songs these artistes make lately are to satisfy an attention-seeking audience, competing with themselves over satisfying their conscience. If we let them be selfish with their creativity sometimes, you will get the best out of them.”

Conclusion: The Need for Freedom in Artistic Expression

Dotun’s critique highlights a growing issue within the Afrobeats industry: the pressure to constantly produce new music, often at the cost of artistic depth and longevity. By allowing artists the space to freely express themselves, Dotun believes that the Afrobeats genre could see a resurgence of high-quality, timeless music.

In conclusion, while the fast-paced nature of the industry has led to a flood of new releases, Dotun’s perspective calls for a shift towards prioritizing creativity over quantity in order to create music that resonates with audiences for years to come.