Reflect on the year with SimplVest’s final 2024 newsletter! Insights on talent vs. exposure, a spotlight on legacy, and a glimpse into what 2025 holds for you.
I think we’ll keep this one short…
Because I’m at the beach as I write this, and the sand and waves are calling me.
It’s been a year, and whatever that means individually, I’m pretty sure we can agree on a few common things. There were many up moments, a few downs, and certainly the in-betweens. But we’re at the end of it now, and 2025, without jinxing it, bears all of the hope we can imagine. And with how everyone’s been oblee-ing outside lately, it looks like I’m not the only one feeling the excitement😉.
P.S. If you haven’t been outside, don’t worry; we’ve got three days left in the year, man! Oblee delayed is not oblee denied!
That brings me…
to a particular incident from a recent night out. I’d gone out for drinks with my friends Alan, Sammie, and Afeez, and it happened to be Karaoke Night. You can imagine the place was buzzing, and we were having a great time. Then came this guy—let’s call him ITK—who absolutely nailed his song. His voice? Incredible. Every note was perfect.
We were still ‘complaining’ about how he missed the point of karaoke (which is to be a completely bad singer singing their favourite song) when someone else took the stage. Let’s call her Mary.Â
Now, Mary? She understood Karaoke. Really understood the assignment. She wasn’t as pitch-perfect as John, but she owned the crowd—engaging everyone, dancing, and just lighting up the room. By the end of the night, guess who everyone was talking about?
That moment reminded me of something important: Talent is great, but it’s not the full picture. You need more than skill—connection, visibility, and influence to leave a mark. I think as the year wraps up, this is something we need to take with us into the next. Thankfully, Vaami’s already thought ahead…
Spotlight Feature: Talent vs. Exposure – Why Legacy Isn’t Always About Who Came First
Picture this: It’s 2008, and Mode 9 drops bars so sharp they could cut glass. His talent is undeniable, and he’s the picture of rap and hip-hop in the country. Fast forward a few years, though, and MI Abaga is the one most Nigerians call the GOAT of rap.
Why? Because MI didn’t just rap—he brought hip-hop to the mainstream. He made it accessible. And that’s the thing about legacy. It’s not just about being talented; it’s about being seen and heard.
This week, we’re diving into a hot debate: Talent vs. Exposure—why legacy isn’t always about who came first.
💬 Talent is the foundation, but exposure is the builder.
Let’s break it down:
- The MI vs. Mode 9 Case Study
- MI didn’t invent Nigerian rap. But his influence on an entire generation of rappers made him the face of it.
- The Olamide Factor
- Yoruba rap existed before Olamide. But he made it a household name, bringing the streets to the mainstream.
- The Accessibility Equation
- Gbenga Adeboye was talented, but his comedy was limited by language. Compare that to Ali Baba, who cracked jokes that resonated nationwide—and paved the way for the likes of Basketmouth and Bovi.
What do you think? What’s your take– Is legacy about talent, or does exposure win the day? Find out ours:
📖 Read the Full Feature Here
2025 and Beyond: What’s Next?
As we close out the year, we’re reflecting on what’s coming next. Here’s a peek:
- New tools to help you grow your business, wealth and career.
- Features that make investing even simpler.
- More engaging content to keep you inspired.
We’d also love to hear from you:
- What’s one thing you want to see from SimplVest in 2025? Hit reply and let us know!
See you next year!
Dami,
Team SimplVest 🚀🚀🚀
