Terry G Addresses Rumours of Retiring From Music: “I Fully Embrace Being an Upcoming Artist”
- Veteran Nigerian singer Terry G has promised never to leave music in a recent post made online
- The renowned Akpako master made it known that he would rather be considered an upcoming talent than retire from the field
- In a post on X, the singer rebuffed critics who accused him of chasing clout, which caught the attention of many
- In a chat with a music PR executive, AKSTREETZ, he spoke on approaches veteran Nigerian singers must follow when trying to bounce back into the scene
Veteran Afrobeats singer Gabriel Oche Amanyi, well known as Terry G, has stated that he has no plans to retire from music.
The 39-year-old performer stated that he would prefer to continue working as if he were a new act than to leave the stage.
Source: Instagram
His statement came after he was accused by internet opponents of using social media to garner attention.
He replied in a tweet: “I fully embrace being seen as an upcoming artiste. You only become a legend when you retire and I’m never retiring. So if you catch me chasing clout, let me be.”
Terry G, who rose to prominence in the 2010s with his distinctive street-hop sound, is best known for tracks like Free Madness, Sangalo, Akpako Master, and Run Mad.
After years away from the spotlight, he is attempting to make a comeback with a new collaboration with vocalist Victony on the track Tanko.
See his post below:
Legit.ng earlier reported that Terry G publicly expressed his displeasure after being left out of Billboard’s Top 50 Best Afrobeats Songs of All-Time.
The list, which crowned 2Face’s timeless hit African Queen as number one, also featured evergreen jams like Timaya’s Dem Mama, Weird MC’s Ijoya, and Yahooze by Olu Maintain.
But in the eyes of Terry G, something was missing: his name
Reacting to the viral post by music monitoring platform Chart Data, the singer didn’t mince words.
He wrote:
“TERRY G robbed.”
For him, iconic tracks like Akpako Master, Free Madness, and Run Mad played a huge role in shaping Nigeria’s street sound, yet were nowhere to be found on Billboard’s global roll call of Afrobeats history.
In an earlier post, he reacted after he was compared to controversial musician, Portable.
The Zazu star, whose real name is Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, is known for his controversial and outspoken personality, which has gotten him into trouble on many occasions. Portable was also been compared to his senior colleague, Terry G, by fans on social media.
Terry G, who dominated the Nigerian entertainment scene in the 2000s was also known for being very eccentric and energetic. He was also described as one of the craziest musicians in the country at the time.
Source: Instagram
However, it came as no surprise to many when Terry G took to his official X page for the umpteenth time to kick against being compared to Portable. According to the Pass Me Your Love crooner, it is disrespectful.
Not stopping there, Terry G explained that it was disrespectful because he makes evergreen songs, unlike his junior colleague.
Terry G’s era did not experience the music business - AKSTREETZ, music PR executive
AKSTREETZ, a PR executive, in a chat with Legit.ng pointed out challenges legacy artists like Terry G face when trying to re-enter or reposition themselves in the current music scene.
The major challenge the likes of Terry G often encounter is Re-innovation and Adaptability. In the era of The Terry G’s, it was just art, as the business of music was not known then. Here are some steps to take as a re-emerging Talent;
“1)Get an Entertainment Lawyer to help in royalty,accets, IP & Publishing management. 2) Take some courses on music business as it applies now.
“3)Unlearn and relearn the Music Business. 4)Get a proper management or manager to help navigate their career.
“5)Initiate collaborations with new talents and refix old works to create engagements with the fans. 6)Upload all their works on streaming platforms and also engage in sync licenses. 7) Engage in event appearances and TV & Radio interviews, Blogs, and podcast shows."
Terry G refuses outdated tag
Legit.ng earlier reported that Terry G took to social media to rant about the behaviour of fans towards legendary musicians.
It is no news that the Nigerian music scene keeps evolving with entertainers who reigned back in the day stepping aside for new talents to take over. Many times, these legendary musicians are only remembered for their unique style but seldom celebrated by new generations of fans.
According to Terry G, he has often heard people tell him that his time has passed, and he sees it as brain damage. The Akpako crooner went on to add that in the west, legends are respected forever and nobody dares call Jay Z or Beyonce outdated.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
