Social Media Brought Freedom to Nigerian Music Industry, Says Danny Young

Nigerian musician Ajibola Danladi, popularly known as Danny Young, has shared how social media transformed the Nigerian music industry. In a recent podcast, Danny Young explained that social media played a significant role in ending the oppression that many artists once faced from powerful industry figures. He revealed that, at one point, he was deliberately removed from an award nomination by a powerful individual in the industry, which was a common practice in the past.

Danny Young believes that social media helped break the grip that industry gatekeepers had on creatives. He said that before social media, artists had limited opportunities to express themselves, and gatekeepers controlled many aspects of the industry, including award nominations and recognition. However, the rise of social media platforms gave artists a voice and the freedom to showcase their talent to a wider audience without relying on those in power.

The musician also linked the rise of social media to the emergence of Generation Z (Gen Z), which he describes as a generation that values freedom of speech, rights, and expression. According to him, the influence of social media has allowed young artists to bypass traditional industry barriers and gain popularity directly from their fans, leading to a more open and inclusive music scene in Nigeria.

In conclusion, Danny Young praised social media for exposing many of the wrongdoings in the industry and for providing a platform where everyone can be heard. He believes this shift has brought about positive changes, allowing artists to thrive without the interference of oppressive industry figures.