Terry G laments lack of respect for Nigerian music legends

Veteran Afrobeats singer and producer, Gabriel Oche Amanyi, popularly known as Terry G, has expressed disappointment over what he describes as Nigerians’ tendency to disregard music legends once they fade from the limelight.

Taking to social media, Terry G criticised the culture of labelling influential artists as “outdated” simply because they’re no longer trending.

He compared this to the West, where music icons are celebrated and respected throughout their careers and beyond.

“I hear people say, ‘Your time don pass!’ — and it sounds like brain damage,” he wrote on his X handle.

“In the West, legends are respected for life. No one calls Jay-Z or Beyoncé outdated. Their impact is honoured.”

He further decried the mindset of discarding local icons, adding, “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.”

Terry G, known for his eccentric style and energetic stage presence, shot to fame in the late 2000s with hits like Free Madness (2008).

Born on March 17, 1986, in Benue State and raised in Lagos, he began his music journey in a church choir, initially as a gospel artist before transitioning into Afrobeats.

Beyond his own music, Terry G also made his mark as a producer, working with top Nigerian artists including 9ice, 2Shotz, and Awilo Longomba.

He urged fans and the industry alike to value and honour the contributions of pioneers, warning that neglecting legends not only erodes their legacy but also sets a poor example for future generations.