Nigerian singer Cobhams Asuquo has shared his thoughts on the Grammy Awards, raising concerns about how Nigerian artistes are being drawn into foreign platforms without long-term value for the local industry.
Speaking in a video on his Instagram page, the music producer said that the frequent Grammy nominations given to Nigerian musicians appear to benefit the United States more than Nigeria.
He said the process feels like a promise that keeps moving out of reach, while still attracting global attention and economic gains to places like Los Angeles.
The award-winning producer said Nigeria should begin to focus more on building strong platforms of its own rather than placing too much importance on foreign awards.
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He explained that countries like the United States invest heavily in their own events and systems, such as major sports and entertainment shows, without relying on outside validation.
Cobhams urged players in the Nigerian music industry to pause and rethink their obsession with Grammy nominations.
According to him, there is a need to create award systems and structures within Nigeria that truly serve local talents and grow the industry from within.
He ended by calling on artistes and stakeholders to invest their energy in developing platforms that belong to them and reflect their own space, culture, and long-term interests.
He said: “I think Grammy is using Nigerians to boost the GDP of Los Angeles with all these nominations. It’s like a carrot dangling in front of us and it goes away.
“I think we need to build something that is ours. It’s only America that will do the Super Bowl and be playing it themselves.
“Then one day we wake up to nomination, nomination. Let’s really think about this Grammy of a thing and create something in our own space.”
