Veteran Afrobeats star Gabriel Oche Amanyi, famously known as Terry G, has called on Nigerians to show greater respect for music legends, even when they are no longer in the spotlight.

Terry G expressed concern over a common trend among Nigerian music fans who quickly dismiss legendary artists as “outdated.” He contrasted this attitude with that of the Western world, where music legends are consistently revered and their lasting contributions celebrated.

The Akpako Master warned that failing to honour and appreciate music pioneers could threaten the future relevance of Afrobeats, no matter how successful the genre becomes globally.

On his X (formerly Twitter) account, Terry G shared, “I hear people say, ‘Your time don pass!’—and it sounds like brain damage. In the West, legends are respected for life. No one calls Jay-Z or Beyoncé outdated. Their impact is honoured.”

He continued, “But here in Africa, especially Nigeria, we’re quick to discard our own. That’s why we believe our ancestors were evil, while Western ancestors are seen as gods. It’s time to break free from that mindset.”

Terry G concluded with a call for self-improvement and mutual support: “If you don’t keep adding value to yourself and those around you, your worth will fade—no matter how great you once were. We must do better.”

His message serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of respecting those who paved the way for today’s vibrant Nigerian music scene.