SUCCESS: Fact or Fiction

     Success as defined can be, the accomplishment of an aim or a purpose. "Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment, full effort is full victory.” – Mahatma Gandhi. In the music sphere, especially in hip-hop circles in Nigeria, Success is mostly determined by the number of 'hits', Popularity, 'Streams' (for the new cats), 'perception of wealth'. Because there is no way to actually determine the 'worth' of a typical African, it begs the question, 'Has Rappers in Nigeria been successful'? Over the years, we have had very skillful, popular and hit making rappers, who created songs that still resonates today.     

    Songs that move the crowd, bang in the streets and brings nostalgia. Phenom, a rapper from the defunct Knighthouse family, ( a group of artistes that metamorphosed in a label) in a recent podcast, while talking about his journey through the music space made a disparaging comment about another rapper. In his own words," I don't see Modenine as someone I want to be like", while talking about mental health issues and the seeming lack of successful rappers in the space with reference to a phantom (car) acquisition. Phenom is popular for being a guest on 6"7" song by M.I Abaga on the popular Illegal Music mixtape. He also had a few songs that did well but fazed out and was off the scene for many years, until 2/3 years ago. Why it is important to aim to the good things of life, cars, beautiful women, fly cribs et al, it's absolutely unwise to talk down on another person who's achievement you as an artiste haven't scratched, talk less of surpass. 

    Modenine is always the target when people (artistes included) want to talk about those who didn't 'succeed' in music. This is a fallacy and it irks my soul. In 2006, he was signed to a label and under them, released one of the greatest rap songs of all time (CRY), 2008, did an advert for Glo at the time when rappers were not popular for advertising with brands, he performed in numerous star mega jam shows(a popular year end show promoted and organised by Nigeria Breweries) , he was a judge for numerous rap competitions, with brands like Nokia, Sprite etc. He toured Singapore with Terry tha rapman, Italy/Germany with Eedris Abdulkareem. Modenine has over 20 albums/mixtapes in the public space, has featured some of the greatest singers in Nigeria (Banky W, Tubaba,9ice,Nomoreloss,Devyne, Sound Sultan, Praiz) and one of the best battle rapper in the US (Canibus). Made mixtapes with south African and German producers, in all these, he maintained an elevated skill of rapping that is still untouched till date. 

    He shared the stage with world stars like Wyclef Jean, Nas, Guru ( from Gangstar group with Dj Premier), opened for Killah Priest in Germany. In rap circles, this is a major win and landmark success.

Why then is he the main target for "failure" in the rap space in Nigeria?