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DJ Neptune Calls Out Industry for Sidelining Veterans, Says Nigeria Must Fix Its “Structural Problems”
Renowned DJ and producer DJ Neptune is raising a red flag about a troubling pattern he believes has been quietly eating away at Nigeria’s music industry: the habit of pushing veteran artists to the sidelines once they hit certain milestones.
Speaking during a recent chat on Hip TV, Neptune didn’t mince words as he compared Nigeria’s industry practices to what’s obtainable in the West, where older artists continue to shine alongside newer talents.
He said, “In Nigeria, once you reach a certain level they push you aside like, ‘Oya go to that corner, we’re done with you.’ It’s a structural problem. Abroad, the OGs are still as relevant as the newbies. We need to address the structural issues,” describing the issue as something that requires urgent attention.
Beyond voicing his concerns, DJ Neptune also reflected on how he has managed to stay afloat in a fast-evolving space. According to him, staying relevant comes down to knowing when to evolve without losing one’s essence.
In his words, “Although I don’t plan to do this all my life – when it’s time to take a bow, I will. But what I have just done over the years is that I know when it’s time to re-invent. That’s life. Things are changing so you need to move with the time.”
His comments have now reignited conversations on how Nigeria can build a healthier, more inclusive structure, one that recognises the value of its pioneers while embracing its rising stars.
‘In Nigeria, Once you reach a certain level they push you aside like, ‘Oya go to that corner, we’re done with you. It’s a structural problem. Abroad, the OGs are still as relevant as the newbies.’
— Dj Neptune addresses the broken structure in afrobeats
pic.twitter.com/OpfIBoeV2p— HipTv (@HipTv) November 23, 2025