Veteran Nigerian Juju musician, Oluwashina Akanbi Peters, popularly known as Sir Shina Peters, has declared that the true measure of success for any artist lies in the number of evergreen songs they leave behind.
Speaking on a recent episode of The Honest Bunch podcast, the 67-year-old music icon reflected on his career and legacy, emphasizing that timeless music is the ultimate achievement for any performer.
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“The only thing you can show for showbiz at the end is how many evergreens you have produced. To my credit, I have four evergreens.
Even Michael Jackson has just two Of The World and Thriller.
So, if I have four, I am accomplished,” he said confidently.
Sir Shina Peters, whose energetic stage performances and fusion of Afrobeat, Juju, and Fuji shaped Nigeria’s music landscape in the late 1980s and 1990s, is widely celebrated for hits like Ace (Afro Juju), Shinamania, Experience, and Dancing Time.
During the conversation, he noted that while commercial success is temporary, the true legacy of an artist lies in creating songs that stand the test of time.
According to him, only evergreen music ensures that an artist’s name remains relevant long after their peak years.
The Ace crooner expressed pride in his musical contributions and stated that having four timeless classics under his belt gives him a deep sense of fulfillment, even when compared to global music legends like the late Michael Jackson.
However, despite celebrating his personal achievements, Sir Shina Peters lamented the current state of the Nigerian music industry.
He criticised the younger generation of artists for neglecting musical depth and originality, claiming that many of the standards set by pioneers like himself have been “bastardised.”
“Back then, we worked hard to build the structure and reputation of Nigerian music. Today, most of those standards have been lost. The industry is full of noise and shortcuts,” he lamented.
The Juju maestro stressed that while technological advancements have made music production easier, artistry and lyrical quality have suffered. He urged emerging artists to focus on creating meaningful music rather than chasing short-lived fame.
Sir Shina Peters, who revolutionised Juju music by blending it with pop and Afrobeat influences, continues to be regarded as one of Nigeria’s most innovative performers.
His 1989 album Ace marked a turning point in Nigerian music, introducing a more vibrant, youth-driven sound that bridged traditional Juju and modern Afro-pop.
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Decades later, his influence can still be heard in the rhythms and stagecraft of many contemporary artists.
As he approaches nearly five decades in music, Sir Shina Peters’ latest remarks reflect the mindset of a veteran proud of his accomplishments yet concerned about the artistic direction of today’s generation.
With four classics to his name and an enduring impact on Nigerian music, the Afro Juju legend remains a symbol of timeless creativity, one whose career continues to inspire both fans and fellow musicians.
