Veteran Afrobeats star Gabriel Oche Amanyi, better known by his stage name Terry G, has made it clear that he has no plans to retire from music, ever.
The 39-year-old artist, who dominated the Nigerian music scene in the 2010s with his eccentric style and genre-bending sound, stated that he would rather be regarded as an “up-and-coming” artist for the rest of his life than quit music entirely.
Terry G made the statement in a post shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, where he addressed critics who accused him of clout-chasing on social media.
“I fully embrace being seen as an upcoming artist,” he wrote. “You only become a legend when you retire — and I’m never retiring. So if you catch me chasing clout, let me be.”
The declaration has since sparked conversations among fans, many of whom praised Terry G’s passion and commitment to staying active in the music industry, even after more than a decade in the spotlight.
Terry G rose to prominence in the late 2000s and became a defining figure of the early 2010s with a sound he famously dubbed “Street-hop.” Known for his high-energy beats, unconventional production style, and humorous but hard-hitting lyrics, Terry G carved out a space for street-influenced music in Nigeria’s mainstream.
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Hits like Free Madness, Sangalo, Akpako Master, and Run Mad cemented his reputation as one of Nigeria’s most creative, and at times controversial, entertainers. His style was often considered ahead of its time, mixing dancehall, Afro-pop, and street slang in a way that resonated with urban youth and partygoers across the country.
Despite his wild persona, Terry G is often credited with influencing a generation of artists who would later dominate Afrobeats, including acts such as Naira Marley, Zlatan, and Portable, all of whom also champion the street sound.
After a quiet period in his career, Terry G is currently staging a comeback, with a new collaboration alongside Victony titled Tanko. The track has been teased on social media and has generated excitement among fans eager to see what a modern Terry G sound will deliver.
Music industry observers say Terry G’s return could be timely, as nostalgia for early Afrobeats and “old school street anthems” has been gaining traction among younger listeners. His ability to adapt to today’s sonic trends while retaining his signature unpredictability could help reintroduce him to a new generation of fans.
Following his post, social media was flooded with mixed reactions. Some fans applauded his refusal to bow out of music, describing it as inspiring, while others questioned whether he should consider transitioning into mentorship for younger artists.
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“Terry G is a legend, but I love that he still has the hunger to drop hits. We need that energy back,” one fan commented.
Others saw his declaration as a sign that he was ready to compete in today’s Afrobeats landscape, which has become more global and competitive than ever.
Regardless of how his comeback plays out, Terry G’s legacy as one of Nigeria’s most influential street musicians remains undeniable. His decision to continue creating music signals that he is not content with resting on past glories.
For the man who once called himself the Akpako Master, the mission is clear, to keep entertaining and pushing boundaries, even if it means starting from scratch.
“I’m still hungry for this music thing,” he has said in past interviews. “I’ll keep giving the fans what they love, whether it’s madness or melody.”
With Tanko set to drop soon, all eyes will be on Terry G to see if his “never retire” mantra translates into a new wave of street anthems for the next decade.
