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| L-R : Franklin & Tekno |
Simon Utsu|18 December 2017
This year has been a very good year for Nigerian musicians. I’m just reading that Timaya was nominated for a Grammy by virtue of his being featured in a foreign album (that was nominated for album of the year).
Artistes like Wizkid, Davido, Tekno and co have consolidated their places in the international music space this year. In the last week or so, we’ve seen superstar musician Drake chasing our own Dancehall producer/musician, Tekno around, trying to get him to work with him- apparently on a monster project.
Nigerian music has truly come of age. Much credit must go to Tekno’s manager, Cross River born Ubi Franklin who turned Tekno’s career around. In music, talent alone isn’t enough, good management is much more important- if you doubt me, ask GT the Guitarman, Brymo, Burna Boy, Kelly Hansome, Asa and Kiss Daniel.
I remember Tekno when he burst onto the scene with his “Holiday” single where he featured Davido. That was about 5 years ago. Then, he was just like any other upcoming Nigerian musician who had just released his first hit. He could have easily ended up as a one (or two) hit wonder but on joining Ubi Franklin’s MMMG music group a couple of years later, his career took good shape.
It’s really a good thing that our art is making global impact —at least if our science(technology) isn’t yet mature for the global stage, our art can hold forth and give us some relevance and also help balance our image internationally.
Simon Utsu
Is a Social Commentator
