There is something in the buzz around international prices like the Grammys that can make them look like an ultimate price for artists from around the world. But, if you ask the Nigerian singer Lojay, the story is a little different. He recently shared some reflections that really take a break and rethink the idea of what matters most for Nigerian musicians. At least that’s how it did to me when I watched her interview on Hip TV.
The fight for recognition on the world scene
Lojay, who is not just any artist but a singer nominated for Grammy, underlined something that may seem a little frustrating but that sounds true. He said that Nigerian artists, as talented, are often not the priority for international reward organizations like Grammys. It is a subtle but important distinction. He gave the example of his colleague TMS artist, who recently released a beautiful R&B album but was only recognized by a prize in the “Best African Musical Performance” category. So why is it not celebrated in wider categories like the best R&B or the best female artist?
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It seems that international prices tend to focus first on their own local talents, and it is understandable, I suppose. I mean, each country wants to raise its own creatives. But then, where does that leave artists of places like Nigeria who make incredible music that transcends borders? Lojay seems to say: this lets them beaten after recognition, always distinguished in a way that underlines their “otherness”.
Why local recognition really counts
This is where Lojay’s big point comes into play. Instead of continuing an often elusive place in international prices, Nigerian artists should focus on the elevation of local rewards like the Headries. Think about it – What if American stars like Travis Scott were to come to Nigeria to receive a Headies Prize one day? What if the Hearies became so important that it has become a global reference in its own right, rather than being overshadowed?
Lojay does not just dream here; He explains a path for Nigerian music to redefine his own standards. He says he wins anything more than the Grammys are larger than the headries. But when the Hearies increase in prestige, everyone on the Nigerian music scene takes advantage. It is a question of building something of welcome and proud. And honestly, I can see where he comes from – I always thought that the celebration of our own culture and our achievements should come first.
There is also an emotional link here. Lojay’s belief in Nigeria does not only concern music prices. It is a deeper faith in the potential and strength of the country, the hope that the Nigerian arts will continue to be absent on a global scale in their own terms, and not strongly dependent on the validation of foreigners. This kind of pride, I think, is something that many can relate – not only in Nigeria, but wherever local culture is struggling with global recognition.
A change of perspective: kissing the local to become global
What also struck me is that Lojay does not completely reject Grammy or other international prices – they are always “soft”, as he says. But it is prudent, almost hesitant, to put too much weight. His argument looks like a call to be realistic but also optimistic in a different way – optimistic about what Nigerian artists can achieve if they rally around their own platforms.
It is like when you root your local team, because whatever happens, they need your support more than the big brilliant franchises. There is a feeling of installation in what he says, like this idea of ”perhaps one day” when the Heasys are as coveted as the Grammys, or when international musicians do their best to participate in Nigerian price discounts. He seems full of hope but not naive, which makes his point of view better.
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It also opens a broader conversation on identity and respect. What does this mean to make artists recognized and where should their energy really go? The idea of always trying to integrate or be prioritized in spaces that do not naturally give you the spotlights are exhausting – and perhaps even useless if you have your own scene which continues to become greater and better.
Thus, while the grammys could symbolize international prestige, the Headries symbolize something a little more rooted and, if I could add, a little more honest to the Nigerian music scene. And it is a subtle but powerful distinction.