Renowned Nigerian musician and producer, Cobhams Asuquo, has raised concerns about the growing number of Grammy nominations involving Nigerian artistes, suggesting that the awards may be benefiting foreign economies more than Nigeria’s music industry.
In a viral video circulating online, Cobhams stated that the Grammy Awards appear to be using Nigerian talents to boost the economy of Los Angeles. According to him, the constant nominations feel like “a carrot dangling in front of us,” which eventually disappears.
He stressed the importance of building strong, homegrown platforms for Nigerian creatives. “I think we need to build something that is ours,” he said, noting that major global events like the Super Bowl are organized and celebrated primarily within their own countries.
Cobhams also urged stakeholders in the music industry to rethink their obsession with foreign awards. He questioned the excitement around repeated Grammy nominations and called for deliberate efforts to create and strengthen award systems within Nigeria.
He concluded by encouraging the industry to focus on developing structures that truly serve and sustain Nigerian music, rather than relying heavily on external recognition.
