Nigerian rappers fight for exposure and encounter prejudice from the industry—SteeveBars

How did you discover your passion for music?

I grew up listening to hip-hop music in the late 80s and 90s, thanks to my older sister, who had several records we enjoyed together. As I got older, particularly during secondary school, I developed a passion for writing. I started experimenting with poetry and learned the techniques behind writing rap music, which I quickly became fascinated with. It is amazing to see these legends knit their words together and eventually produce incredible works.

At what point did you decide to pursue music professionally?

started writing when I was in secondary school, but I didn’t record any songs until after I graduated. In 2004, I had the opportunity to record a demo. A couple of years later, after completing a short programme at the university, I decided to pursue music professionally in 2008. That was the beginning of my journey in music.

How have you been able to carve out a niche for yourself in the industry?

The industry is saturated with a specific sound, primarily consisting of melodic, danceable tunes that often lack substantial lyricism. This contrasts sharply with my style, as I connect with hip-hop and rap. I find great comfort in expressing myself through this genre.

While creating a record may require significant time and effort, it is the production process that I find both challenging and rewarding. The adrenaline rush comes from the back-and-forth of writing lyrics, searching through the dictionary for the right words, and practicing pronunciations with just the right emotional tone. I enjoy the beat-making process from start to finish. It’s a unique world that brings me joy as I navigate the challenges of producing a rap record. I also had a piano course at MUSON Centre Onika, Lagos.

What are the main challenges you’ve faced?

I believe the major challenge is the lack of appreciation for rap music in Nigeria. Even the gatekeepers of the industry seem to overlook rap, which frustrates me because it isn’t fair to force everyone in music to conform to a specific genre.

Where is the competition in such an environment? We can’t all take the same path; there should be space for all genres to coexist. However, it often feels like if you’re not making a certain type of music, you’re not welcome. This is incredibly unfair.

They try to blame the fans, but based on my experience, fans can only engage with what is available to them, and unfortunately, rap music is frequently absent from the scene.

Many rappers feel pressured to transition into singing to maintain their relevance in the industry. Some have even lost confidence in creating authentic rap records, while others have chosen to retire. This situation seems truly unjust.

How do you plan to further establish your niche in the music industry? 

I plan to achieve this by releasing more material in my chosen genre and by being resilient and unapologetic in my approach. I have never given up on rap music, believing it is on the brink of a brighter future in this industry. I hope more rappers will get into the studio and unleash their creativity to contribute to this movement.

How many works do you have to your credit?

To my surprise, I have fans around the world in places I never imagined, and they subscribe to my music and support it financially. If one remains persistent in their efforts, the sky is truly the limit. Since 2015, when I released my first body of work titled the “Tales of BarsLofton” mixtape, I have released seven projects alongside several singles.

I am currently in the studio working on my next project. I have been working on this for some time now and am taking extra care to put it together. I am being more meticulous in my approach this time. My goal is to ensure that each new project is better than the last, which is something we aim for when creating an album or mixtape.

Who is your role model in the industry?

I’ve always looked up to artists like Eldee the Don, Mode 9, Nas, Jay-Z, J. Cole, Eminem, Joyner Lucas, Royce da 5’9”, Stoute Louis, Dr. Dre, Scott Storch, Akon, Fabolous, Burna Boy, and the late B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur. While the list goes on, these are the individuals from whom I directly draw inspiration.

What other ventures do you pursue aside from music? 

I’ve previously ventured into the e-hailing business, which was fairly successful until the economy forced us out. Shortly, I have plans to explore fast food and real estate. Additionally, I’ve been a distributor of thermal paper rolls and have been involved in the clothing and leather products industries.

What is your assessment of the current music industry?

I believe the current music industry is in an interesting position. On an individual level, many artists are thriving and doing well for themselves. However, as a whole, the industry is struggling due to a lack of proper structure.

The image of the music industry seems larger than life, but there’s still a lot of work to be done to improve its foundational aspects. Right now, the industry operates in fragmented pieces, which highlights the need for a more cohesive structure.

Despite these challenges, I am optimistic about the future of the music industry and the potential for positive changes.

How do you intend to impact lives through your musical talent?

My music has always reflected my personal views on life, often telling stories that prompt me to question my purpose. I believe this encourages fans to look inward and reflect on themselves as well because it’s essential to examine our inner selves to create a positive impact on the outside world. I often create melancholic tunes that help me reflect and aim to positively impact my listeners.

I see music as a form of communication, beyond just fun and entertainment. My goal is for my music to resonate with the souls of my fans, inspiring them to reflect on life while still enjoying the experience.

How do you plan to expand your fan base?

I plan to start an interactive online session with my fans on social media this year. Additionally, I will organise a neighborhood tour to bring my music closer to them and provide a firsthand experience of my art. I

will also be partnering with available brands to reach a wider audience. A world tour should be around the corner when the time’s right.

How do you handle temptations, especially from female fans?

In my younger years, it wasn’t much of a challenge, but it could be overwhelming at times, and I would often feel a bit blank about it. Sometimes, it was hard to distinguish what was real and what wasn’t.

However, I believe I have managed that aspect well, always respecting every individual. It’s all love from my side. Now that I’m married with a daughter, it’s a game changer. But fans will always be fans, so I tread carefully.