“The Industry is Crashing”: Bizzle Osikoya Sounds the Alarm on Nigeria’s Music Future
Renowned Nigerian music executive Bizzle Osikoya has issued a sobering reality check on the state of the country’s music industry, warning that the foundation may be cracking beneath the glitz and glamour.
In a candid interview on CreativiTea, Bizzle didn’t hold back: “It feels like the industry is crashing,” he said. “And the reason is because we are not building professionals.”
🎤 Chasing Fame Over Fundamentals
Bizzle's critique is clear: the obsession with virality and stardom is eclipsing structure. Too many stakeholders, from managers to producers, are rushing to discover the “next big superstar” without laying the groundwork for longevity or professionalism.
His comments strike a chord in an industry where talent often outpaces infrastructure, and where young stars burn bright — and burn out — fast. “That’s why,” Bizzle adds, “many of our artists don’t want to return to Nigeria once they’ve tasted how structured things are abroad.”
🚧 Lack of Industry Understanding Hurting Global Brands
He also pointed fingers at international giants like Sony, claiming their struggles in Nigeria stem from a poor grasp of the local terrain. Unlike homegrown trailblazers such as Mavin Records, YBNL, and Chocolate City, which have built a model grounded in cultural awareness and business acumen, foreign players often falter.
“The market here is different,” Bizzle noted. “It’s not just about throwing money at artists. You need relationships, grassroots knowledge, and patience.”
🤝 Opinion: Collaboration, Not Competition, Is the Way Forward
Bizzle’s final message? Stop going solo. Everyone wants to own a label — but not everyone understands what it takes. Instead of a saturated space filled with half-baked labels and broken contracts, the future lies in strategic partnerships, shared visions, and mutual respect.
If Nigeria wants to sustain its place on the global music map, then the business behind the music must be taken just as seriously as the music itself.
💬 Do you agree with Bizzle? Is the Nigerian music industry headed for collapse or just a necessary reset?
Join the conversation with #FixTheIndustry #SustainableSound #BizzleSpeaks #NaijaMusicNow.
