Nigerian singer Gabriel Oche Amanyi, popularly known as Terry G, has addressed the backlash he received for performing at political events, saying his presence on such stages does not mean he supports any political party.
In a recent episode of The Real Shareholders podcast, the “Akpako Master” spoke candidly about the criticism he faced after performing at President Bola Tinubu’s pre-inauguration concert in May 2023. The event, held at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, drew mixed reactions online, with some accusing Terry G of aligning himself with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
But Terry G insists that he is not affiliated with any political group. According to him, he is an independent musician simply doing his job.
“As an artist, we are usually invited and paid to perform. That’s how we earn a living,” he said during the podcast. “In today’s tough economy, if a political party calls you for a show, you’re lucky. It’s an opportunity. So respect to the party, but that doesn’t mean I support them.”
Terry G explained that his role was strictly professional and should not be misunderstood as a political endorsement.
“I’m an independent artist. I didn’t go to those events to campaign or to declare support for any candidate. I was there to perform. That’s my job,” he stressed. “If I had climbed the stage and told people to vote for APC or any other party, then maybe the criticism would make sense. But I never did that.”
He went further to say that people were unfair in their judgment.
“People should judge me based on what I said, not just because I showed up. I went there, performed, and left. Nothing more,” he said. “Many of my colleagues have done the same thing, yet I don’t understand why mine is different. It’s like people are waiting to find fault.”
Terry G shares artiste’s financial reality
Terry G also pointed out the financial realities of being an artist in Nigeria. He said musicians, like everyone else, are trying to survive and keep their careers going in a difficult economy.
“Music is my source of income,” he said. “I have bills to pay. If a legit offer comes through, and it doesn’t involve endorsing anything against my beliefs, I’ll take it. Performing at a political concert is not a crime.”
However, his performance at the pre-inauguration concert did more than spark outrage. It also led to a bitter fallout between the singer and organisers linked to the event.
In November 2023, Terry G publicly accused the APC of failing to pay him for his performance. He claimed that some individuals hijacked the money meant for him, leaving him unpaid for the show.
Speaking at the time, he wrote on social media, “I supported APC, performed at their event, and till now I haven’t been paid. Some people hijacked the money and left me in the dark.”
The statement stirred further reactions from fans, with some sympathising with him and others pointing fingers.
Despite the controversy, Terry G says he has no regrets about performing at the concert. But he wants people to understand the difference between doing a job and endorsing a cause.
“Artists are not politicians,” he said. “We entertain. That’s what we’re paid for. Don’t confuse performance with politics.”
He ended by calling for a more balanced view of musicians who take up political gigs, urging fans not to jump to conclusions without facts.
“I’m just out here working hard, like everyone else,” he said. “Let’s not turn everything into a political war.”
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