Dremo has opened up about his struggles for recognition in the Nigerian music industry, stating that his talent has not been fully appreciated by fans and stakeholders.

In a recent interview with Echo Room, the rapper expressed frustration over what he described as a lack of acknowledgment for his abilities in the studio. Despite his consistency over the years, Dremo believes he remains overlooked compared to his peers.

He attributed part of the issue to the genre he represents, noting that rap music does not enjoy the same level of mainstream acceptance in Nigeria as Afrobeats and pop. According to him, this imbalance has made it harder for rappers to gain widespread recognition.

Dremo also reflected on his time at Davido Music Worldwide, revealing that his experience did not meet expectations. He claimed that the label’s focus was largely centered on its founder, Davido, leaving other artists with limited support and visibility.

While acknowledging his current position as an “underdog,” Dremo maintained that he remains confident in his craft and continues to embrace his journey.

💭 Opinion: Talent vs Industry Reality

Dremo’s comments highlight a deeper truth about the Nigerian music industry—talent alone doesn’t always guarantee recognition.

Nigeria is heavily driven by sound trends, and right now, Afrobeats dominates both locally and globally. While this has brought massive international success, it has also created an uneven playing field where other genres, especially rap, struggle to break through.

Dremo’s frustration is valid. Nigerian hip-hop once had a stronger foothold, but over time, it has taken a backseat to more commercially appealing sounds. This doesn’t mean the talent is lacking—it simply means the market is less receptive.

His comments about DMW also raise an important point about record labels. When a label is built around a superstar like Davido, it can be difficult for other artists to shine unless there is a deliberate strategy to develop them individually.

However, there’s also another angle to consider.

Being underrated can be a disadvantage—but it can also be a powerful position. Underdogs often have the freedom to experiment, grow, and eventually surprise the industry when the moment comes.

For Dremo, the real challenge is turning that frustration into reinvention—finding a way to make rap resonate again in a market that has shifted. If he can do that, the “underrated” label might not last much longer.