Popular Nigerian indigenous rapper CDQ has said that it is very difficult for new and upcoming artists to succeed in the Nigerian music industry unless they belong to certain strong groups, networks, or associations.
He made this claim during a recent interview with content creator JBrandy, where he spoke about how the entertainment industry currently works behind the scenes.
According to him, the industry is no longer as open as it used to be, and success is now heavily influenced by connections and group support.
CDQ explained that the music scene has become divided into different “factions” or groups that control opportunities such as promotion, collaborations, shows, and even access to major platforms.
He suggested that artists who are not connected to these groups often find it very hard to get the attention they need, no matter how talented they are.
He added that many upcoming musicians spend a lot of money on marketing, music videos, and promotion, but still do not get the expected results because they lack strong backing from influential people or groups in the industry.
According to him, some artists are expected to belong to a “gang,” “crew,” or “association” before they can receive proper support or recognition.
Without this kind of backing, he believes it becomes difficult for an artist to break into mainstream success.
CDQ also noted that there are a few exceptions artists who managed to become successful without being part of any group but he described such cases as rare and mostly based on luck rather than a fair system.
He further suggested that the system makes it harder for independent artists who are trying to build their careers on talent alone, as they may struggle for years without seeing meaningful progress.
His comments have drawn attention because they highlight ongoing conversations about how the Nigerian music industry operates behind the scenes and whether opportunities are truly equal for all artists.
