Respect Your OGs! Terry G Criticizes How Nigeria Treats Its Music Icons

Nigerian artist Terry G, dubbed the “Akpako Master,” has ignited an important conversation: why are our music icons often dismissed once their hits fade?

Speaking on X, he criticized those quick to declare, “your time don pass!”, calling the mindset “brain damage” because it disregards giants like Jay‑Z or Beyoncé, who continue to be respected globally.

In contrast, Terry G contrasts Nigeria’s treatment of legends with Western reverence. He points out that icons such as Jay‑Z and Beyoncé are celebrated lifelong for their impact—never labeled outdated or boxed into irrelevance.

Terry G stakes a big claim: discarding our legends could harm Afrobeats’ future. Letting legends fall into obscurity weakens the cultural foundation artists build on. He warns that if we don’t actively value and honor former stars, the genre risks losing essential cultural depth.

Respect: Earned or Expected?

This brings us to a nuanced question: are legends disrespected by fans, or do some put themselves in that position? 

1. Do fans have amnesia? Audiences often crave fresh sounds, easily discarding older artists perceived as washed-up.

2. Artist visibility; Legends must stay visible, adapt, and remind audiences of their relevance. Those who remain active, relevant, and visible avoid being forgotten.

3. Self-reinvention; Continual growth via new releases, collaborations, media presence helps maintain respect.

4. Cultural bias; Western giants don’t face negative comparisons to youth— Nigeria, nostalgia bias can tip toward youth.

The musician underscored his belief in his own cultural importance. He proclaimed, “You can’t talk about cultural impact in Nigeria without talking about Terry G. I am the culture!” But he also admitted that lack of engagement, fellow musicians ignoring him hurts, asking, “Is it that until I pass away, you’ll remember me?”

Terry G’s comments aren’t just a complaint, they’re a call to action. In asking whether legends are disrespected or self-fading, he reveals a co-dependency: respect is given, earned, and sustained. Nigerian music can only retain its depth if we preserve its roots.