Rising Afrobeat star, Imanjozzy, has spoken about realities confronting upcoming musicians – the financial and hurdles between talent and mainstream success.
The artist, known for blending streetwise lyricism with Afrobeat rhythms, spoke about the challenges behind the glamour of the music industry.
“People see the glitz, viral videos, success stories—but don’t see the sleepless nights, empty pockets, and hustle…’’ he said.
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“For a lot of us coming up, talent alone is not enough. If you don’t have capital or access, it can feel almost impossible to break through.”
According to the artist, creating a hit track involves far more than just studio time. From mixing and mastering to promotional campaigns, music video production, and even basic platform uploads, the financial burden can be overwhelming.
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“Sometimes one single track can swallow hundreds of thousands. So imagine someone with raw talent but no financial backing—how’s that person supposed to survive?” he revealed.
Beyond financial constraints, Imanjozzy pointed to limited access within the industry as another major barrier.
He described the music space as a “closed circle” where connections often determine visibility more than talent.
“The gatekeepers—DJs, bloggers, playlist owners—many of them won’t even look your way unless you’re already popping or you’re paying heavy. Talent is out there, but it’s stuck behind a wall,” he said.
Despite these obstacles, the artist believes change is possible. He called for the creation of more inclusive platforms, affordable studio sessions, and fairer promotional opportunities for emerging voices.
Reflecting on his own journey, Imanjozzy admitted he had faced the very challenges he now speaks out against.
“I’ve had dope songs sitting in my phone because I couldn’t afford to push them properly. It gets to you mentally,” he recalled.
Still, his persistence paid off. He began by releasing freestyles and building a grassroots fan base through social media. “Every fan, every repost, it all mattered. That’s how I kept going,” he said.
To young artists feeling discouraged, Imanjozzy had a message of hope and resilience: “Don’t give up. Use what you have. Drop snippets, engage your audience, collaborate, and stay consistent. Don’t try to copy anyone—your story, your sound, that’s what makes you stand out.”
He also addressed industry stakeholders directly, urging them to support emerging talent beyond the hype.
“Let’s support more upcoming acts genuinely. Not just because they’re trending, but because they’re talented
“Today’s superstar was once just a dreamer. We need to build a music culture that gives room for the next Imanjozzy, the next Burna, the next Tems—without them having to beg or break,” he said.
