Erigga Slams Nigerians for Valuing Foreign Entertainment Over Local Talent: “We Prefer What’s Outside”

Nigerian rapper and street poet Erigga has expressed his disappointment over what he describes as Nigerians’ growing obsession with foreign entertainment at the expense of homegrown talent.

In an interview with Yanga FM, the Warri-born artist addressed the recent trend of Nigerian award shows and concerts relocating abroad — using the Headies Awards’ move to the United States as a clear example.

According to him, the shift reflects a deeper issue — one that speaks to how many Nigerians undervalue local creativity, despite the massive pool of talent and loyal audiences within the country.

“Nigerians have this attitude when it comes to our own; we don’t regard our own. The average Nigerian prefers to show you 300 people wey dey dance for London than to show you 5,000 people attending a concert in Nigeria,” he said.

Erigga added that music is a universal language that should be appreciated regardless of where it comes from, urging fans to celebrate Nigerian artists with the same energy they show foreign entertainers.

“I feel like music should be for everyone. Regardless of where you are, you should appreciate your own because they appreciate theirs. We prefer what’s outside. Sometimes people tell me, ‘Erigga, do one English rap,’ and I’m like, shey me be English professor? I dey educate people wey I meet for street,” he said humorously.

💭 Opinion: Erigga’s Words Cut Deep — and He’s Absolutely Right

Erigga’s comment isn’t just a complaint — it’s a wake-up call to Nigerian audiences. For years, the country’s music industry has produced world-class talents, yet too many fans still equate “foreign” with “superior.”

The irony is clear: while international audiences are falling in love with Afrobeats and Nigerian street music, some Nigerians are still chasing validation from the same West that’s learning from us.

When the Headies moved abroad, it was seen by some as progress — but perhaps, as Erigga implies, it also highlighted a painful truth: that our stars often have to leave home to be fully celebrated.

Erigga’s raw honesty reminds us that national pride starts with supporting our own — our art, our sound, our story. If Nigeria’s creative industry is to truly thrive, appreciation must begin at home. After all, what’s foreign today once started local somewhere else. 🌍✨