Nigerian singer Kcee has opened up about the emotional impact of being repeatedly overlooked by award organisers, revealing that the experience once left him deeply hurt despite his contributions to Afrobeats.
Speaking during an interview with Afrobeats Intelligence, the music star reflected on his journey in the industry, describing a period when his efforts were not acknowledged by key stakeholders.
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According to Kcee, while his music resonated strongly with fans, it did not receive the same level of recognition from award bodies.
“I grew up in an industry that wasn’t fair to me. There wasn’t any attention given to me at any moment. I was doing a lot that the industry wasn’t recognising,” he said.
The singer disclosed that the lack of nominations and recognition affected him emotionally, admitting that he was pained by the situation.
He said there was a point in his career when the frustration became overwhelming.
“The fans were the ones who were behind me. I did a lot of work; they were not nominating me for awards. And I cried; I was pained,” he added.
Kcee, however, noted that his perspective has changed over time.
According to him, he no longer places much importance on awards, choosing instead to focus on the impact of his music and the support he receives from fans.
He explained that he now values “rewards” such as global reach, audience engagement, and fan loyalty over formal recognition from industry institutions.
“Right now, when I win awards, or you don’t nominate me, I don’t care. I prefer the rewards to the awards,” he stated.
Reflecting on a major turning point in his career, Kcee highlighted the success of his hit song “Limpopo.”
He described the track as a breakthrough moment that elevated his career and introduced him to a wider global audience.
According to the singer, the success of the song came as a form of validation after years of hard work.
“So, when ‘Limpopo’ came, oh, I was in tears. I was like, no, God has answered my prayer. He took me to the global market straight,” he said.
Kcee also recalled his earlier years working alongside his former music partner, Presh, noting that their journey laid the foundation for his later success.
He described “Limpopo” as the biggest record of his career at the time.
Beyond his past successes, the singer also spoke about the recent viral impact of his song “Ojapiano.”
According to him, the track gained rapid traction on the social media platform TikTok shortly after its release.
He revealed that the song generated significant user engagement within a short period, with thousands of videos created by users.
“I dropped ‘Ojapiano’ like today, the next day, it was doing 120,000 videos on TikTok in one day. And it happened for seven days non-stop. That’s organic,” he said.
Kcee added that the song’s international appeal further reinforced his belief in the power of genuine fan connection.
He noted that audiences beyond Nigeria also embraced the track, contributing to its widespread popularity.
“The white people were vibing to it,” he added.
The singer’s comments have sparked conversations about the role of award bodies in recognising talent within the Nigerian music industry.
While some artists have received consistent recognition, others have expressed concerns about perceived bias, lack of transparency, and limited inclusivity.
Industry observers say Kcee’s experience is not isolated, as several artists have, at different times, raised similar concerns about award systems.
However, many also argue that the rise of digital platforms has shifted the balance of power, allowing artists to measure success through streams, fan engagement, and global reach.
For Kcee, this shift appears to have redefined his priorities.
Rather than focusing on plaques and nominations, the singer says he is now more interested in how his music connects with people across different cultures and regions.
His story reflects a broader trend among artists who are increasingly valuing direct audience impact over institutional validation.
As the music industry continues to evolve, Kcee’s remarks highlight the changing definition of success in the digital age.
While awards remain a symbol of achievement, many artists now see fan support and global influence as more meaningful indicators of their work’s relevance.
For Kcee, the journey from disappointment to self-assurance underscores the importance of resilience, persistence, and staying connected to one’s audience.
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