Nigerian legendary Juju artist Oluwashina Akanbi Peters, famously known as Sir Shina Peters, has boldly stated that he possesses more music classics than the late pop icon Michael Jackson. The veteran musician, celebrated for his unique Afro-Juju sound, made this revelation during his appearance on a recent episode of The Honest Bunch Podcast, where he reflected deeply on what defines a musician’s lasting legacy. The 67-year-old icon explained that the greatest achievement of any musician is not just fame or wealth but the creation of timeless songs that continue to inspire generations long after their release. According to him, these songs—often referred to as “classics”—represent a musician’s true success and artistic immortality. “Every musician’s dream is to have evergreen songs that outlive their career,” Sir Shina Peters stated passionately. “For me, I’m proud to say I have four major classics that will forever remain in the hearts of music lovers.” Sir Shina Peters, known for hits like “Ace (Afro Juju Series 1)” and “Shinamania”, emphasized that he feels completely fulfilled knowing his songs have stood the test of time. He confidently declared that his musical portfolio contains more lasting classics than Michael Jackson, a statement that has sparked diverse reactions among fans and critics alike. The Nigerian star’s assertion is not without reason. Throughout his decades-long career, Sir Shina Peters has been instrumental in shaping the soundscape of Afro-Juju music, blending traditional Yoruba rhythms with modern instrumentation and high-energy performances. His influence paved the way for many modern Afrobeat and Afropop artists, who continue to draw inspiration from his works. While Michael Jackson’s global influence remains unmatched, Peters’ statement highlights the pride and passion African artists hold for their cultural heritage and contributions to the global music industry. His perspective sheds light on how African classics—though sometimes underrated internationally—carry profound emotional and cultural significance within their communities. Sir Shina Peters’ musical journey continues to resonate across generations, with many fans considering his songs a defining symbol of Nigeria’s vibrant music history. Whether or not one agrees with his claim, there is no denying that his legacy remains strong and influential in shaping the sound of modern African music.
Nigerian superstar Tiwa Savage has openly expressed that she is not comfortable being labeled as the “Queen of Afrobeats.” According to her, the title carries heavy responsibilities and does not fairly represent the contributions of other female artists who are also shaping the global Afrobeats movement. In a candid conversation with Apple Music’s Ebro, Tiwa Savage explained that while she appreciates the love from fans who call her the Queen of Afrobeats, she does not personally accept or embrace the tag. She believes it creates unnecessary pressure and places her on a pedestal she never asked to be on. “Yeah, they call me the Queen of Afrobeats, but there are a lot of us that are Queens. Personally, I don’t like that tag, it’s uncomfortable because I feel like if I start accepting it, I need to be humble, and secondly, it doesn’t make sense to me,” Savage explained. She further clarified that although she values the recognition, she does not believe in monopolizing such a grand title. Tiwa Savage highlighted that the reason fans often associate her with the “Queen” status is because she was among the first female artists in Nigeria to break through internationally. “So, I don’t accept it. But I appreciate it. It didn’t come from me. I think it’s just because I was one of the first female artists in Nigeria to breakthrough. I do appreciate that, and I’m not taking it for granted,” she added. The singer’s response shows her humility and respect for the wider Afrobeats community. Afrobeats has become a global sound, with several female musicians playing pivotal roles in shaping and pushing it to the world stage. By rejecting the crown, Tiwa Savage reminds fans that music is not a one-woman show, but a collective effort. Her statement sparks an important conversation about representation in music and the dangers of attaching singular titles to one artist in a genre that thrives on collaboration and diversity.
