Nigerian musicians need constructive critics to reach their full potential

Musicians hate criticism. They hate it in any form it is served, from any angle, from any person, actually almost everybody.

Countless juicy tabloid episodes have sparked from a criticism thrown the way of a musician. Whether it’s a fan letting his moral side shine forth and correcting an erring musician, or a fan being too honest with their appraisal.

Another brand of this criticism-induced acrimony happens between musicians and journalists. Commentaries and editorials from insightful media authorities which bear constructive criticism have drawn the battle line, and ignited a war with plenty of PR casualties. The bitterness from those wars last a lifetime.

But the deepest of all is constructive criticism from a musician to another. The receiving party does not get the message. They skip the content, and kill the messenger. Theirs is a world of ego contests and extreme paranoia, and public criticism from a colleague/counterpart/competition is regarded as a declaration of war.

The musicians have a point. They reside in the limelight, their every action is picked apart, analysed, reported, projected and misconstrued. Repeated episodes of this has made them develop an acute sense of fear and resentment, through which they see the world. Throw in ego, arrogance, and absolute sycophancy into the mix, and you have the perfect Nigerian musician.

That’s the underlying reason why Tiwa Savage would have the motivation to call out TW Magazine for a review on her album, and Burna Boy threatening to 'murk' bloggers. It’s also why the relationship between journalists and musicians is in the realm of love-and-hate. The musicians are very selective in their desires. Give them the exposure, and keep out the criticism.

But here’s what they fail to understand; Constructive criticism is generally good for self-improvement and indirectly helps you to become a more fruitful and stable person. You can't better yourself if you can't take constructive criticism. If you are completely dedicated to your chosen sport. You must also be prepared to work hard and accept constructive criticism.

Even though sometimes, people misjudge the use of the term constructive criticism to project their own negative opinions about something subjective, the musicians should possess powers of discernment to filter out the spiteful, and accept the constructive criticism.

Constructive criticism seeks to build up. Jealous or spiteful criticism seeks to tear down. Know the difference. If it isn't constructive criticism with a solution it’s a complaint. If it’s not positive and encouraging leave it alone. It’s that simple.

Instead of combating criticism, musicians should receive it with thanksgiving. Those who venture to criticize musicians perform a remarkable act of kindness, and give a gift that will help the musician grow and be the best. Nigerian musicians need to understand this. Only then will they rise at their craft, and every aspect of their business.

Imagine a world without constructive criticism. Anarchy would hit the sky, mediocrity will be the best we can offer, and this country will lack enough external influence on the creative process leading us spiralling down the slope into an abyss. Constructive criticism is the one true quality control of the arts.

The faster we understand that. The faster we grow.