Discover why talent alone doesn’t define legacy in the creative world. Explore the role of exposure, accessibility, and influence in shaping lasting impact and success.
In the world of creativity, whether it’s music, comedy, or any other form of art, talent is undoubtedly important. But if you think talent alone is what determines legacy, let’s sit down and have a chat. Because, my people, it’s not just about how good you are or whether you came first. Legacy often boils down to two things: exposure and language. How accessible is your work? How far can it reach? This is the gist of today’s newsletter. Grab a seat; it’s going to be a sticky one.
Who Influences the Genre the Most?
Let’s talk about rap for a second. Mode 9. Do you remember him? If you were a Nigerian hip-hop fan back in the day, you’d know that Mode 9 could rap circles around most people. The man was pure talent and even had six Headies to his name before MI Abaga dropped his first album. Yet, ask the average Nigerian who the GOAT of Nigerian rap is, and MI’s name will roll off their tongue. Why?
MI Abaga wasn’t just talented; he was strategic. He brought hip-hop into the mainstream. He made it accessible. For a moment, he made rap the most popular genre in a country obsessed with afrobeats. That’s influence. That’s legacy. Mode 9 might be more talented, but MI influenced an entire generation of rappers. The likes of Vector, Ycee, and even Blaqbonez all stand on MI’s shoulders.
The same logic applies to Yoruba rap.
Olamide is often credited as the godfather of the genre. But Olamide didn’t invent Yoruba rap. Lord of Ajasa and Dagrin came before him. There was even this [in]famous quote from a TVC interview a couple of years ago—
Yet, nobody’s influence on Yoruba rap and street hop comes close to Olamide’s. He took the genre from the streets and brought it into every Nigerian home. Talent is great, but influence? That’s the game-changer.
The Role of Accessibility
Now, let’s get real about accessibility. Imagine you’re the most talented comedian in Nigeria, but you perform all your jokes in a language that only 10% of the population understands. Will you be as popular or influential as someone cracking jokes in pidgin or English? The answer is obvious.
Gbenga Adeboye was a phenomenal comedian and radio host, no doubt.
He had a stronghold in Western Nigeria, and Yoruba audiences loved him. But let’s not kid ourselves: language limited his reach. On the other hand, comedians like Ali Baba built careers on accessible, relatable humor.
Ali Baba’s “Warri boy” trope transcended ethnic barriers and became a nationwide sensation. If you grew up watching Nigerian comedy in the 2000s, you saw how almost every comedian drew inspiration from Ali Baba. The likes of Basketmouth, Bovi, and AY owe their careers to the template Ali Baba set.
Here’s the thing: no matter how talented Gbenga Adeboye was, his work didn’t reach as far as Ali Baba’s. It’s not a question of talent; it’s about exposure. If your art is language-specific, your audience will always be limited. And in the grand scheme of things, limited exposure means limited legacy.
Generational Gaps and Media Coverage
Some people argue that Gbenga Adeboye’s impact was huge, but you had to be around in the 1990s to understand it. Fair enough. But let’s not forget Baba Sala. He came before Gbenga Adeboye and had even more coverage. Baba Sala wasn’t just a comedian; he was a household name. Why? His work reached more people. He’s even referred to as Nigeria’s First King of Comedy.
Now, compare that to comedians who performed in pidgin or English and had their shows aired on TV. These guys weren’t just regional stars; they were national treasures. While Gbenga Adeboye excelled as a radio host in Yoruba-speaking regions, the “Warri boys” were cracking ribs from Lagos to Kano, from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri. When you’re accessible to everyone, your legacy naturally grows.
Talent, Exposure, and the Sociological Effects of Money
Let’s bring money into the equation because, after all, this is Vaami, where we explore the sociology of money. Exposure doesn’t just affect your legacy; it also affects your pocket. The more accessible your art is, the more opportunities you have to monetise it. Think of endorsements, TV deals, and brand partnerships. Comedians like Ali Baba and Basketmouth didn’t just become legends; they became wealthy legends.
Now, imagine if Ali Baba had stuck to performing in a niche language. Would he have gotten the same corporate gigs? Would he have been able to build an empire that paved the way for others? Probably not. Talent might get you through the door, but exposure and accessibility keep you in the room. And when money enters the picture, it amplifies your reach, ensuring that your legacy lives on.
The Nigerian Perspective: Why We Love a Good Debate
Nigerians love to argue. It’s in our DNA. Whether it’s football, politics, or entertainment, we’re always ready to stan our faves. But when it comes to legacy, we need to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Talent is important, but it’s not the only thing that matters. If your work isn’t accessible, your impact will always be limited. And in the end, legacy is about impact.
So, the next time someone tells you that Gbenga Adeboye was the father of Nigerian comedy, ask them this: How many people outside Western Nigeria knew about him during his prime? Compare that to Ali Baba, whose influence was felt in every corner of the country. Legacy isn’t about who came first; it’s about who reached the most people.
Conclusion: Make Your Talent Count
In the end, talent is just one piece of the puzzle. To truly leave a legacy, you need exposure, accessibility, and the ability to influence an entire generation. Whether you’re a musician, a comedian, or any other kind of creative, think beyond your immediate audience. How far can your work go? Who can it reach? Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about being the best; it’s about being remembered.
So, go out there and make your talent count. Speak a language everyone understands, use platforms that amplify your voice, and create art that transcends boundaries. That’s how you build a legacy.
Till next time, keep shining. This is Vaami signing off from SimplVest. Don’t forget to share this with someone who needs to hear it. Cheers!
