Nigerian singer and performer Gabriel Oche Amanyi, widely known as Terry G, has expressed outrage at American music publication Billboard, accusing the magazine of “robbing” him by excluding his hits from its recently released Top 50 “Best Afrobeats Songs of All-Time” list.
The list, curated by Billboard staff, celebrated the most influential and popular Afrobeats tracks from Nigeria and across Africa.
Topping the chart was 2Baba’s (formerly 2Face) evergreen classic, “African Queen”, a song widely credited with introducing Afrobeats to global audiences.
Other songs that cut include Timaya’s “Dem Mama”, Weird MC’s “Ijoya”, and Olu Maintain’s “Yahooze”, all of which are considered milestones in Afrobeats history.
Despite his string of hit songs in the 2000s and 2010s, Terry G’s tracks, “Akpako Master,” “Free Madness,” “Run Mad” and several others, were completely absent from the list.
Reacting to a post by music monitoring platform Chart Data, which highlighted “African Queen” as the number one song, Terry G took to social media to voice his frustration.
“TERRY G robbed,” he wrote, expressing his disapproval in a succinct but emphatic manner.
His comments quickly gained attention online, sparking debates among fans and music enthusiasts.
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The response to Terry G’s post was mixed. Some fans supported his claim, insisting that his contributions to Afrobeats cannot be ignored. They pointed to his energetic performance style and catchy hits that dominated clubs and parties in Nigeria for years.
“Terry G brought madness to the streets. Songs like ‘Akpako Master’ were everywhere back then,” wrote one fan on Twitter. Another added, “He deserves a spot on that list. Billboard snubbed real street music.”
However, other fans disagreed, arguing that while Terry G’s songs were popular, they do not carry the same cultural or global significance as tracks like “African Queen.” Critics noted that 2Baba’s song helped put Afrobeats on the world map and deserved the number one position.
“‘African Queen’ opened doors for Afrobeats internationally,” commented one Twitter user. “Terry G’s music is fun, but it doesn’t have the same historical weight.”
Terry G, known for his eccentric style, energetic performances, and unique voice, has been a fixture in the Nigerian music scene since the mid-2000s. With his signature “Madness” style, he has released numerous hits that have dominated street parties, clubs, and radio playlists.
Despite his unconventional approach, he has influenced many younger Afrobeats artists and helped shape the high-energy sound that remains popular today. Hits like “Akpako Master” and “Run Mad” were especially influential in defining the playful and experimental side of Nigerian pop music.
Yet, as Billboard’s list demonstrates, popularity alone does not guarantee recognition in global music rankings. Criteria such as cultural impact, international reach, and longevity often weigh heavily in such evaluations.
Terry G’s reaction highlights a recurring conversation about who gets recognition in the music industry. Many Nigerian artists feel that their contributions, especially in street-level and underground music, are often overlooked when lists and awards are compiled internationally.
The debate also raises questions about the role of legacy versus commercial success. While some songs may dominate charts, others may have shaped the sound of a generation in less visible but equally significant ways.
While Billboard’s Top 50 list may have excluded Terry G, the singer remains a prominent figure in Afrobeats culture. His influence on the genre continues to be felt, and his fans remain vocal about his contributions.
Whether or not he ever receives formal recognition on such international lists, Terry G’s impact on Nigerian music is undeniable. His bold reaction, calling out what he sees as a snub, serves as a reminder that artists and fans alike continue to debate the boundaries of recognition, influence, and respect in the Afrobeats scene.
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