Veteran Nigerian artiste, Zaaki Azzay says many of the new entrants into the music industry are drug peddlers and ritualists trying to legitimise their ill-gotten wealth through music.
The Na Me Go Marry Am crooner, who burst into the scene in 1996, noted that many of the new entrants are not “really musicians” but noise-makers.
According to him, these noisemakers bring ill-gotten wealth into the industry, pay heavily on promotions and drown the voices of the talented but financially-challenged artistes.
Explaining how the Nigerian music industry has fared lyrically, Azzay said, “There is a lot that has gone into music.
“There are lots of people who are not really musicians. People who are not really talented come into music and bring money from drugs or ‘blood money’ put it into music and make noise everywhere.
“Not many know these musicians are actually using music to cover up for their drug businesses. That is the major issue for us because those who are consuming the music might not know that and it kind of makes it difficult for talented musicians who are supposed to be heard and (are) not heard because they cannot afford to promote their music,” he told Premium Times.
Meanwhile, the Benue State-born artiste has explained his admiration for President Muhammadu Buhari.
Commenting on the state of the nation under the president, Azzay said, “To be honest with you, when President Buhari assumed leadership and some things were happening and looking irrational, I was a bit unhappy with his government. But I must confess, I have changed my mind about it.
“Nigeria has gone bad for too long and to fix Nigeria, is not a day’s job. Drastic action and measures must be taken. I disliked Mr. Buhari’s government in the past but right now I think his government is the right government at the right time for now.”
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