It’s now harder for artists to get hit songs — Baba Fryo

Veteran musician, Friday Igwe, popularly known as Baba Fryo, has said that getting a hit song today is more difficult, noting that many artists now rely on stunts to gain attention.

Speaking on a recent episode of the ‘I Say What I Say’ podcast, he pointed to a recent controversy involving Wizkid and late Afrobeat icon Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. 

According to him, the comparison was a strategy linked to Wizkid’s joint EP Real with Asake.

“It takes a lot to get a mega hit now. Some go and even do some kind of stunt. Shey you dey see the one with ‘Wizkid pass Fela’; all these ones na stunt.

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“A lot of artists spark controversy on purpose so that people will stream their songs. I takes a lot to get a hit now because they have raised the bar so high,” he expressed.

Baba Fryo explained that in the past, hit songs were driven more by quality and public acceptance, with less need for heavy promotion.

He also blamed some DJs, music executives, and artists for the current situation, alleging that trends are often prioritised over substance. 

According to him, this has made it harder for quality music to stand out.

The veteran musician called on Nigerian artists and industry stakeholders to focus more on making good music rather than chasing social media virality.