Nigerian rapper and singer Erigga has voiced his frustration over the growing tendency of Nigerians to celebrate foreign entertainers while neglecting their own local stars.
Speaking in an interview with Yanga FM, the Warri-born artist criticised the mindset that gives more value to international recognition than to homegrown achievements, a problem he says continues to affect Nigeria’s entertainment culture.
Reacting to the relocation of the Headies Awards to the United States, Erigga said the move reflects how much Nigerians crave validation from abroad rather than appreciating the massive talent and vibrant music scene within their own borders.
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“Nigerians have this attitude when it comes to our own; we don’t regard our own. The average Nigerian prefers to show you 300 people wey dey dance for London than to show you 5,000 people attending a concert in Nigeria,” he said.
The Paper Boi crooner noted that while Nigerian music has grown globally, the lack of local appreciation makes many artists feel undervalued at home.
“I feel like music should be for everyone. Regardless of where you are, you should appreciate your own because they (London) appreciate their own. We have this disconnect issue; we prefer what is outside,” he added.
Erigga also recounted how some fans often ask him to rap in English, implying that Pidgin or street language is inferior, a mindset he strongly rejects.
“Sometimes people be like, ‘Erigga, do one English rap for me,’ and I’m like, shey me na English professor? I dey educate people wey I meet for street,” he said jokingly.
Known for his raw storytelling and use of Warri Pidgin, Erigga has built a reputation for using music to speak to everyday struggles and realities.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to take pride in their own music and support local artists the same way they celebrate international acts.
