Veteran rapper Reminisce has delivered a stark warning to aspiring artists about the realities of fame and friendship in the industry. Speaking to Naija FM on October 6, 2024, Reminisce shared hard-learned lessons from his career, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and maintaining a clear-eyed view of industry relationships.
As the sun set over Lagos, casting long shadows across the bustling city, Reminisce settled into the Naija FM studio, his demeanor serious and reflective. When asked about his experiences with fame, the rapper didn’t mince words.
“Fame is a drug that gets one high and clouds judgment,” Reminisce stated, his voice carrying the weight of experience. “One of the things I did in life earlier on was to realize that nobody is my friend.”
This powerful statement set the tone for an interview that would peel back the glossy veneer of the music industry, revealing the complex realities that lie beneath.
Reminisce, whose career spans over a decade, spoke candidly about the lessons he learned early in his journey. The rapper, known for hits like “Kako Bi Chicken” and “Ponmile,” shared how his experiences shaped his approach to industry relationships.
“You know that when it comes to humans, they turn you into an enemy if they aren’t favored, especially monetarily,” he explained, his words resonating with the raw honesty that has become his trademark.
Music industry analyst Funmi Adeosun commented on Reminisce’s perspective: “What Reminisce is sharing isn’t unique to Nigeria. It’s a universal challenge in the entertainment industry. The pressure of fame can distort relationships, and it takes a strong sense of self to navigate these waters.”
Throughout the interview, Reminisce emphasized the importance of setting and maintaining boundaries. His approach, while perhaps seen as harsh by some, has been crucial to his longevity in the industry.
“That’s probably why many people don’t like me,” the rapper admitted. “If someone has worked with me and you find out that we had issues, if you find out what happened, it would probably have been because I made my decision and stood by it.”
This stance has not always made Reminisce popular, but it has allowed him to maintain control over his career and personal life.
As the interview progressed, Reminisce turned his attention to the next generation of Nigerian musicians. His advice was both a warning and a call to self-awareness.
“We all want the same thing, so there is no way you’d think everyone is your friend,” he cautioned. It is very normal to have people around you when you’re hot and popping, and it is your responsibility as a famous person to determine what you want. Not everyone around you wants you to succeed.”
These words struck a chord with many listeners. Outside the studio, aspiring rapper Oluwaseun Adebayo, 22, shared his reaction: “Hearing this from Reminisce is eye-opening. It’s not what you want to hear, but it’s probably what we need to hear. It’s making me think differently about my approach to the industry.”
Reminisce’s journey to stardom was not overnight, a fact he credits with helping him maintain perspective. “It took a while before I became famous, and I even had a child beforehand,” he revealed. This experience, he explained, grounded him and helped him see through the illusions of the industry.
Music journalist Chidi Okonkwo offered his thoughts on Reminisce’s perspective: “What’s striking about Reminisce’s comments is the balance between cynicism and pragmatism. He’s not saying don’t trust anyone, but rather be cautious and clear-eyed about the nature of industry relationships.”
As the interview drew to a close, Reminisce’s message became clear, success in the music industry requires more than talent – it demands emotional intelligence and a strong sense of self.
“At the end of the day, na me go suffer the consequences,” he concluded, his words a potent reminder of the personal responsibility each artist must bear for their choices and relationships.
The impact of Reminisce’s words was immediate and far-reaching. Social media buzzed with reactions, with many industry figures and fans alike praising the rapper for his honesty.
As night fell over Lagos, Reminisce’s warnings echoed through the airwaves, offering a sobering but necessary perspective on the realities of fame in the Nigerian music industry. For aspiring artists, his words serve as both a caution and a guide, illuminating the path through the often treacherous waters of showbiz.
