6 Reasons why artists cannot function without beefing each other

Similar to its counterparts in Europe, America, and other regions of the world, the Nigerian music industry is not without controversy.

Prior to the beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, there have been other disagreements amongst Afrobeats artists, most recently between Davido and Wizkid.

These conflicts, often characterized by public exchanges of insults, diss tracks, and social media spats, have become almost synonymous with the industry itself. But why do artists seem unable to function without engaging in beefs with each other?

At the core of this phenomenon lies a complex interplay of factors, ranging from personal egos and competitive spirits to strategic marketing tactics and societal expectations. Here, we’ve compiled a list of possible reasons why artists cannot seem to function without beefing each other.

1. Ego and competition

In an industry as competitive as music, where success is often measured by chart-topping hits, awards, and concert attendance, artists are under immense pressure to assert their dominance and maintain their relevance. Egos can easily become inflated, and the desire to outshine rivals can fuel conflicts and power struggles. Take, for example, the ongoing feud between two of Nigeria's biggest music stars, Davido and Wizkid. Their rivalry, fueled by competition for the title of "Afrobeats king," has played out publicly, with both artists trading jabs on social media and in their music.

2. Strategic marketing and publicity

In an age dominated by social media and digital marketing, controversy sells. For artists and their management teams, beefs can serve as a strategic tool for generating buzz, garnering media attention, and driving album sales and streams. This was evident in the highly publicized feud between music icons, Davido and Wizkid, which coincided with the snippet release of Davido's diss track aimed at Wizkid. The feud not only reignited interest in their music but also sparked widespread debate and discussion among fans and industry insiders.

3. Artistic expression and identity

For many artists, music is not just a profession but a form of self-expression and identity. Beef tracks, in particular, offer artists a platform to assert their lyrical prowess, defend their honor, and showcase their authenticity and street credibility. The recent clash between rappers Blaqbonez and Khaligraph Jones exemplifies this, with both artists using their diss tracks to assert their dominance in the rap game and solidify their reputations as skilled lyricists.

4. Engagement farming

In an era of social media fandoms and stan culture, allegiance to an artist can sometimes take on intense heat, with fans rallying behind their favorite artists and actively participating in online skirmishes with rival fan bases. Beefing artists often capitalize on this tribalism to mobilize their fan bases, boost engagement, and strengthen their influence within the industry. The rivalry between Davido's "30BG" and Wizkid's "Starboy FC" fan bases is a prime example of this phenomenon, with fans frequently engaging in heated debates and online spats to defend the honor of their respective idols.

5. Cultural norms and expectations

In Nigerian society, where masculinity and bravado are highly valued, engaging in beefs can be seen as a display of strength and assertiveness. Artists may feel pressure to conform to these cultural norms and prove their toughness by publicly confronting rivals. This cultural expectation is reflected in the confrontational lyrics and aggressive posturing often associated with beef tracks in the Nigerian music scene.

6. Historical precedents and industry dynamics

Beefing has a long history in the Nigerian music industry, with notable conflicts dating back to the early days of Afrobeat and hip-hop. These historical precedents, combined with the competitive dynamics of the industry, have normalized beefing as a form of artistic expression and competition. As a result, artists may feel compelled to engage in beefs to assert their place within the industry and uphold their reputations.

In conclusion, while beefs may offer short-term benefits in terms of publicity and notoriety, they can also have long-term consequences, both for the artists involved and the broader music industry. Beyond the entertainment value, beefs often perpetuate negative stereotypes, reinforce toxic masculinity, and distract from more substantive issues facing society.