Ernest Okugbe registers his displeasure on Iyanya’s Album
Nigerian Podcaster took to his Facebook page to call out Iyanya who released a tracklist for his album with no inclusion of any act from Calabar, despite have numerous and talented individual in the state, where he hails from.
He Wrote :
Title: Iyanya’s “Once Upon a Cat” Album Track List Sparks Frustration Among Fans written by Xtnx (Greatness)
As a long-time fan of Iyanya, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the release of his forthcoming album, “Once Upon a Cat.” However, upon seeing the track list, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of frustration and disappointment. As I scrutinize the names of the artists featured on the album, I can’t shake the nagging question from my mind: has the city not done enough to merit even one artist to be on this album?
Iyanya, as one of the most prominent musical figures out of Nigeria in recent years, holds profound influence and power over the music scene. We’ve witnessed his remarkable rise after a slight slump in his career, and his musical journey has left an indelible mark on the industry. Yet, as a committed supporter of Iyanya’s music, I can’t help but voice my discontent.
Reflecting on recent local musical triumphs, it becomes even more perplexing. Challex the Boss drew a staggering crowd of over ten thousand enthusiastic fans at his November 2023 Unleash Concert 3.0, yet he was not deemed worthy of a spot on Iyanya’s album. Similarly, Jayme’s “Misunderstood” EP achieved commendable success, with an array of beautiful songs that captivated audiences. However, this achievement failed to secure a place on the coveted “Once Upon a Cat” album track list.
Furthermore, the monumental turnouts at events headlined by artists such as Efi Cruz and YoungBone and his Rebellion squad, alongside renowned acts like Upper X, Tekzy, and Rex Coded, indicate the city’s fervent support for its homegrown talents. Despite these undeniable accomplishments, none of these artists found themselves featured on Iyanya’s album.
The absence of these local artists on Iyanya’s album track list raises critical questions about the artist’s role in elevating and empowering the burgeoning music scene in the city. With so many talented musicians gaining momentum and recognition, why has Iyanya not seized the opportunity to showcase and uplift his city’s talent? The city is undoubtedly “overhyped” for its artists, leaving us to wonder why Iyanya has not emerged as a kingmaker, heralding a new era of musical prominence for Calabar.
In conclusion, the absence of local artists from the “Once Upon a Cat” album tracklist has left many fans, including myself, feeling disillusioned and disheartened. It’s not merely a missed opportunity but a disservice to the thriving music community that deserves recognition and representation.
As a dedicated fan, I urge Iyanya and his team to consider the immeasurable talents that are making waves in the city and acknowledge the impact they are having on the local music landscape. By embracing and showcasing these exceptional artists on his album, Iyanya can play a pivotal role in propelling their careers and solidifying his own legacy as a kingmaker in the city’s music scene.
Ultimately, I remain hopeful that Iyanya will recognize the wealth of talent within his city and embrace the opportunity to champion and celebrate the vibrant music community. As a fan, I eagerly anticipate a shift towards greater collaboration and recognition of local talent on future projects.
Nice
Its like you read my mind You appear to know so much about this like you wrote the book in it or something I think that you can do with a few pics to drive the message home a little bit but other than that this is fantastic blog A great read Ill certainly be back