DJ Neptune Criticizes Nigerian Music Industry for Marginalizing Veteran Musicians

Popular disc jockey and music producer Imohiosen Patrick, widely known as DJ Neptune, has voiced strong concern over what he describes as the sidelining of veteran creatives in the Nigerian music industry.

According to him, many artists and industry professionals are pushed aside once they attain certain milestones, a pattern he believes stems from deeper structural issues within the sector.

DJ Neptune contrasted this with Western music industries, where veteran acts continue to thrive alongside emerging talents.

“In Nigeria, once you reach a certain level, they push you aside like, ‘Oya go to that corner, we’re done with you.’ It’s a structural problem. Abroad, the OGs are still as relevant as the newbies. We need to address the structural issues,” he said in a recent interview with Hip TV.

Speaking on how he has managed to remain relevant over the years, DJ Neptune explained, “I don’t plan to do this all my life—when it’s time to take a bow, I will. But what I have done over the years is recognize when it’s time to reinvent. That’s life. Things are changing, so you need to move with the times.”