The Harsh Reality of the Entertainment Ecosystem in Oyo State

The entertainment ecosystem in Oyo State is in shambles, and it’s time to face the music. The industry is plagued by inadequacies that need urgent attention, or else there will be no future for contemporary music artistes in Ibadan.

At the heart of the problem is a stakeholder issue. The ecosystem comprises various stakeholders, including artistes, producers, photographers, graphic artists, actors, models, makeup artists, managers, musicians, dancers, event producers, DJs, OAPs, media houses, and investors. However, these stakeholders are not working together effectively to create a thriving entertainment industry.

Media houses, for instance, are not promoting local content. They prioritize playing mainstream music from Lagos and Abuja, neglecting the talent in their own backyard. This lack of exposure makes it difficult for Ibadan artistes to gain recognition and build a fanbase.

Investors, on the other hand, are not investing in the music industry. They prefer to invest in more “lucrative” ventures like real estate and hospitality, leaving the entertainment industry to suffer.

Artistes, too, are not adapting to the changing entertainment landscape. They are stuck in their old ways, refusing to learn new skills and strategies to stay relevant in the industry.

Managers are also failing in their duties. They are not providing effective management and marketing strategies for their artistes, leaving them to fend for themselves in the competitive industry.

Lastly, the government is not providing support and resources for the entertainment industry. They are more focused on other sectors, neglecting the potential of the entertainment industry to contribute to the state’s economy.

These stakeholders need to come together to address the challenges facing the industry. We need to create a collective vision for the entertainment ecosystem in Oyo State, one that prioritizes collaboration, investment, and promotion of local talent.

By working together, we can:

– Create platforms for showcasing local talent

– Provide training and capacity-building programs for artistes

– Encourage investment in the music industry

– Develop effective marketing and promotion strategies

– Foster collaboration and networking among stakeholders

Let’s stop pointing fingers and start working together to build a thriving entertainment industry in Oyo State. The future of Ibadan music depends on it.

written by

@ibconnectng