Afrobeat icon Femi Kuti has disclosed that the key to longevity in the music industry lies in creating meaningful and impactful music.
The 63-year-old veteran musician said his continued relevance after more than forty years in the industry is a result of his commitment to producing music with depth and purpose.
He advised younger artists to remain humble and invest time in learning how to make quality music, cautioning that neglecting this would cause their fame and success to fade with time.
Speaking in a recent episode of the Afropolitan podcast, Kuti advised young artists to be mindful of their old age when making music.
The interviewer asked: “What do you think is killing the Nigerian music industry now?”
Kuti replied: “When the head is not correct, nothing can be correct. I like what young artists are doing, but what would they do when they are 50?
“The reason, probably, I’m respect is, I will still show dexterity, energy. I’m committed. If I pick up my sax, you will know that this guy is working. I composed everything. You (young artists) buy your songs, and you don’t want to learn. Music is like medicine. The likes of Miles Davies, Stevie Wonder and a few others are renowned because they are working. They are practicing.
“But young artists just rush into making music to get hit songs. You might make two or three. You are young so you are not seeing the danger -the next generation will have their star and then you will fade away.
“I can proudly tell you I’m still touring. It’s because my fans will still introduce me to their children and their children’s children. So you will see very old and children at my concerts. There are people that have followed me for 15, 20 years and still bringing my albums to sign. But why? Consistency. And I have something to offer. If you are not writing your music and you are buying, and you are jumping, would you still be doing that at 40?”