Music educator, Babatunde Shosanya, has raised concerns about the direction of Nigeria’s music industry, stating that the country is producing far more entertainers than properly trained musicians.
Speaking in an interview with Sunday Scoop, Shosanya noted that although many schools provide basic music literacy, the industry still prioritises entertainment over academic musical training.
He said, “Educational institutions in Nigeria, particularly private schools, are offering adequate music literacy from nursery to tertiary level. However, music educators must continue to focus on the teaching of fundamentals and basics of music so students can become proficient in reading and understanding music.”
Shosanya also lamented the lack of respect often accorded to music educators, noting that societal stereotypes have contributed to the profession being undervalued.
“Music educators often do not receive the respect they deserve. Our society tends to prioritise entertainment over the kind of music we teach, and that discourages many students from pursuing music studies at the university level.”
He added that outside a few churches and private schools that value music education, many music teachers struggle due to poor recognition and limited government support.
Calling on authorities to address the situation, Shosanya urged the government to elevate the status of music education in the country and provide better support for educators.
On the broader state of the industry, the music educator argued that the gap between entertainers and academically trained musicians is widening.
“In my view, we are certainly generating a larger quantity of entertainers compared to musicians,” he said. “It is typically easier to become an entertainer because most do not require formal education, whereas becoming a skilled musician often demands academic training.”
Despite the challenges, Shosanya believes music education in Nigeria is gradually improving, even though the system remains fragile.
He highlighted several challenges facing the sector, including inadequate funding, marginalisation of music in school curricula, shortage of qualified teachers, and negative societal attitudes toward the profession.
Addressing parents raising musically gifted children, the educator acknowledged that many families are still hesitant about allowing their children to pursue careers in music. However, he said the success of Nigerian stars like Davido, Tiwa Savage and Burna Boy is gradually changing that perception.
“I believe the uncomfortable reality is that parents would actually be happy if their children chose music as a profession,” he added, noting that the achievements of global afrobeats stars are helping reshape societal attitudes toward music careers.
