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Singer’s absence is a blessing to Nigerian music

Nigerians love Tonto Dikeh, but her acceptance by music enthusiasts will never happen. If anything, she is viewed with disdain.
Tonto Dikeh
Tonto Dikeh

Tonto Dikeh’s new found family status has been a blessing to Nigerian music fans.

The singer who worked solo to create a path in music, received a boost in 2014, when D’banj signed her up to his developing record label, DB Records. She has gone on to release a handful of songs, each meeting wave after wave of malicious feedback.

Nigerians love Tonto Dikeh, but her acceptance by music enthusiasts will never happen. If anything, she is viewed with disdain, for attempting to enter a field that she lacks the talent to practice, let alone succeed. Comments after comments have called out the singer at every turn, chasing her through releases and videos to hammer home the point that the lady has no business with music.

That has not appeared to faze the singer. If anything, she appears to draw strength from the torrents of abuse, coming out stronger at every turn, and performing her songs on stages that would have her. This lady, know how to tickle a crowd offline, and rub them wrong online.

Tonto’s break from music came with her shift in focus to family. Mr X, as she fondly names to her husband, smothered her with love, stole her heart, and her interest in music and all things heart. She just had their first son, and in the first interview, she dropped the bombshell. Tonto has left D’banj.

Many fans regard this a good thing. Almost a blessing.

Tonto’s addition to DB Records was widely regarded as a ridiculous move by D’banj, a star whose quality of music was depreciating. Many felt he was adding a player that would prove to be more of a liability than an asset. That asset never really blossomed. Tonto’s time at DB Records can be described as ‘negligible’ at best. She offered more media attention and press, but no real gain.

Many fans would want Tonto Dikeh to absolutely quit music in all its forms. They would prefer her to raise her arms in the air, in surrender to her perceived lack of talent, accept her place as a good actress, and work at becoming better and growing organically at acting. To be clear, this isn’t personal. Tonto Dikeh is adored as an inspiration and role model to many in Nollywood. Her career has shaped lives, and been a constant source of entertainment for Nigeria.

It is simply just believed that she should be content with one art form, and leave the music alone.

Right now, that is happening, and Nigerian music fans can sleep.

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