In the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry, identity is often shaped by the perceptions and comparisons made by audiences and industry professionals alike.
For singer Joe El Amadi, the burden of being compared to the revered music icon 2Baba has cast a shadow over his artistic journey.
In an insightful appearance on the “Hoha” podcast, El Amadi opened up about the challenges he has faced due to his striking resemblance to the legendary Afrobeat star.
His candid narrative sheds light on the often unseen struggles musicians encounter when navigating their unique paths in a competitive and unforgiving industry.
El Amadi, a talented artist in his own right, revealed that these constant comparisons have taken a significant toll on his career.
He expressed feeling disheartened and frustrated by the way his likeness to 2Baba has been perceived.
“The downsides of 2Baba comparisons almost broke me down,” he lamented. “This constant shadow leaves me feeling like I am less of an artist, engulfed by the legacy of another.”
He went on to detail instances when he felt the direct impact of these comparisons on his opportunities.
According to El Amadi, some influential music executives, as well as prominent media figures, denied him opportunities to showcase his talent on various platforms opportunities that are crucial for any artist striving to build a career in music.
“Some presenters at Cool FM and Sound City, and an event planner at Festac Carnival2013, rejected me solely for looking like2Baba,” he disclosed, highlighting a disheartening reality many artists may face when they are judged based on superficial similarities rather than their unique artistry.
In one particularly jarring incident, El Amadi recounted an encounter with a presenter from Sound City during a night at Club Rumours.
“The Sound City presenter even confronted me, boasting that he was the one who instructed his colleagues not to play my songs because he believed I was merely imitating2Face,” he recalled, incredulously.
“It was a painful moment for me to realize that I was being sidelined not for the quality of my music but rather for how I looked.”
Another poignant moment occurred during the Festac Carnival, where an event planner allegedly dismissed his talent without a second thought.
“The event planner at Festac insisted that I wouldn’t perform because I looked too much like their King,2Face,” he noted, a sense of disbelief still palpable in his voice. “It was disheartening to find that my hard work and dedication were overshadowed by a mere likeness.” The situation did not improve when he attempted to engage with the media for promotional interviews. “The same thing happened when I went for an interview at Cool FM; the presenter said he couldn’t interview someone who mimics2Face,” he shared, revealing the outright biases that prepared the ground for these comparisons to take centre stage, effectively overshadowing his individuality.
El Amadi did not face these challenges alone; he sought solace and guidance from those closest to him.
“I complained to my mum and my record label boss, Baba Keke, but they urged me to be calm,” he recalled. “They reminded me that every artist has their struggles and that I must stay focused on my music.”
Despite the overwhelming challenges, El Amadi’s resilience shines through his narrative. However, he confessed that there were times when even the slightest effort to pay homage to 2baba would be met with resistance.
“Sometimes, when I try to pay homage to2Face when we meet in public, some of his team members will block me,” he revealed, revealing yet another layer of complexity to his experience.
In a world where artists constantly seek to carve out their niche, Joe El Amadi’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the impact that perceptions and comparisons can have.
The music industry can be a tough arena to navigate, and for El Amadi, the fight for recognition remains ongoing.
With a heartfelt determination, he continues to pursue his passion for music, undeterred by the shadows of those who came before him.
In doing so, he stands as a testament to the power of individuality and the strength of the human spirit in overcoming adversity.
As the music landscape continues to evolve, one can only hope that the industry will embrace artists for their unique talents, rather than confining them to the mould of someone else’s legacy.
El Amadi’s experience underscores a vital message for emerging artists: to forge ahead with their own identities, despite the challenges that may arise from unavoidable comparisons.
Joe El Amadi’s journey may be fraught with difficulty, but it undoubtedly highlights an important conversation about authenticity and recognition in the music world.
