Nigerian rapper Emeka Akumefule, popularly known as Blaqbonez, has cautioned fans and industry observers against using music charts and streaming numbers as the sole measure of an artist’s success.
The Back In Uni crooner argued that numbers can be easily manipulated and, therefore, do not always reflect genuine talent or audience appreciation.
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Blaqbonez made the statement while responding to a fan on X (formerly Twitter) who accused him of hypocrisy for celebrating the success of his diss track, ACL, which recently peaked at number one on Apple Music Nigeria.
The rapper, who has previously criticized the use of bots in boosting streaming figures, clarified that he was not against chart success but rather against overvaluing it.
In his response, Blaqbonez maintained that while topping charts is exciting, true artistry should be judged by creativity, originality, and the emotional connection music creates with listeners.
“I never talked down on the charts, it’d always be exciting, but no artist should be defined by it,” he wrote. “Most of the artists I’m currently listening to in Naija are not up on our charts. You guys are quick to label someone a failure depending on numbers that we know can easily be manipulated.”
He emphasized that many talented artists who produce quality music often go unrecognized because their songs don’t perform well on streaming platforms or radio charts.
“Use your ears sometimes. If something is good, it’s good, that’s all I’m saying,” the rapper added.
Blaqbonez’s comments revisit an ongoing conversation in Nigeria’s music industry about the credibility of digital music metrics.
Over the past few years, several artists and producers have accused industry players of inflating streaming numbers using automated bots to create false impressions of popularity.
While streaming has revolutionized music distribution and accessibility, critics argue that the obsession with numbers has led to unhealthy competition, artificial hype, and misplaced validation among artists.
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Blaqbonez has been one of the most outspoken Nigerian rappers addressing these issues. He has previously alleged that certain artists rely on “stream farms” to climb charts quickly, a practice that undermines organic fan engagement.
Known for his bold opinions and unfiltered personality, Blaqbonez has built his brand around authenticity and creative independence. The rapper has often urged fellow artists to focus on the quality of their craft rather than chasing viral trends or inflated metrics.
His latest statement comes amid growing debates sparked by his feud with fellow rapper Odumodublvck, whose fan base has been engaged in a heated exchange with Blaqbonez supporters since the release of ACL.
Despite the tension, Blaqbonez’s track achieved commercial success, dominating streaming platforms and reigniting discussions about competition in Nigerian hip-hop.
Blaqbonez’s message, however, remains clear, music should be appreciated for its artistic merit rather than just its numbers.
As the rapper continues to push boundaries in Nigeria’s rap scene, his stance underscores a larger call for transparency and authenticity in the digital era of Afrobeats and hip-hop.
