M.I Urges Local Support to Replace Fraud-Fueled Nigerian Music Industry Funding

M.I calls for Nigerian investment to replace fraud-funded music industry support

Veteran Nigerian rapper M.I Abaga, a pioneer in Afrobeats and hip-hop, has reignited debate on the ethics of Nigerian music industry funding. Speaking on the popular So Nigerian podcast, he claimed that a significant portion of artist financing comes from internet fraudsters, a practice locally known as “Yahoo Yahoo.”

M.I Urges Local Support for Artists

M.I urges local support from wealthy Nigerians, brands, and investors to provide legitimate funding for emerging artists. He described the current state as “an indictment” on the country, stressing that talented musicians should not have to rely on illicit funding or foreign sponsorships to succeed.

The Problem with Fraud-Funded Music According to M.I, many young artists are financially backed by peers whose income comes from fraudulent online schemes. This reliance not only damages the industry’s credibility but also makes it harder for ethical investors to engage. In 2023 alone, the EFCC reported hundreds of convictions for cybercrime, underlining the scale of the problem... Read complete content click link below

Industry Experts Weigh In Music industry analysts agree that sustainable growth depends on shifting away from questionable sources of funding. Ethical sponsorships, government grants, and corporate partnerships can provide the stability needed to compete globally, especially as Afrobeats and African pop culture continue to dominate international charts.

Rebuilding the Nigerian Music Industry Ethical Investment: Encouraging brands and entrepreneurs to fund rising talent based on merit. Structural Support: Implementing music development programs to nurture talent from the grassroots. Reputation Management: Separating Nigeria’s vibrant creative scene from the stigma of cybercrime. Looking Ahead M.I’s call for action comes at a pivotal time. With Afrobeats reaching global audiences and Nigerian artists selling out arenas worldwide, the need for transparent, ethical funding has never been greater. As the rapper put it, the future of the Nigerian music industry should be built on integrity, not on the unstable foundation of fraud money.