In the fast-paced Nigerian music industry, many artists rise to stardom only to experience sudden declines in their careers. While some make comebacks, others face challenges that prevent them from maintaining the level of success they once had. In this article, we will explore the stories of Nigerian musicians like Dammy Krane, Sean Tizzle, Tekno, Klever Jay, and Runtown—who once topped the charts but are now navigating periods of struggle. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
1. Dammy Krane
Dammy Krane seemed like one of the brightest stars in Nigerian music after the release of his 2013 hit song “My Dear.” His catchy tunes, unique style, and energetic performances made him a favorite among fans. However, his career took a serious blow in 2017 when he was arrested in the United States for alleged credit card fraud. The controversy surrounding his arrest damaged his reputation and led to a fall from the limelight.
Though Dammy Krane has tried to revive his career with new music and collaborations, the impact of the scandal has lingered, and he has not regained the level of success he once enjoyed.
2. Sean Tizzle
Sean Tizzle burst onto the Nigerian music scene in 2013 with his hit song “Sho Lee,” which earned him several awards and a spot among the country’s top artists. His blend of Afrobeat and R&B appealed to a wide audience, and many believed he was destined for even greater success. However, after the initial success, Sean Tizzle seemed to disappear from the spotlight.
Several years passed without major hits, and fans began to question his whereabouts. Though he returned with new music in 2019 and 2020, Sean Tizzle’s popularity has never reached the height it once did. His failure to maintain consistency and follow-up with hits has led to a decline in his fanbase, making him one of the most notable examples of a career that went from grace to grass.
3. Tekno
Tekno was a game-changer in Nigerian music, with hits like “Pana” and “Duro” making him an international star. His unique sound, catchy beats, and smooth vocals captured the hearts of many music lovers across Africa and beyond. However, in 2018, Tekno found himself in hot water when he was caught filming a semi-nude dancer in a truck on the streets of Lagos. The scandal sparked outrage, and he was temporarily banned from performing in certain venues.
Despite the controversy, Tekno tried to stay relevant by releasing new music, but his career has not quite returned to its previous level of success. While he is still active in the music scene, his peak seems to have passed, and he has faced increasing competition from newer artists.
4. Klever Jay
Klever Jay’s career seemed full of promise when he released “Body Talk” in 2008, a song that earned him significant attention in the Nigerian music scene. His style blended Afrobeat with an urban sound, which made him a favorite for many. However, Klever Jay’s momentum quickly slowed down as newer artists took over the industry, and his attempts to maintain relevance with new music failed to make the same impact.
Despite several releases, Klever Jay never managed to get back to the same level of fame and recognition he once had. His lack of consistent hits and the ever-changing nature of the music industry left him struggling to reclaim his place in the spotlight.
5. Runtown
Runtown’s rise to stardom was nothing short of impressive. His song “Gallardo,” featuring Phyno, was a major hit, and he followed it up with other popular tracks like “Mad Over You” and “For Life.” Runtown’s distinct sound, blending Afrobeat with reggae and hip-hop influences, set him apart from many other Nigerian artists. For a while, he was one of the biggest names in Nigerian music.
However, Runtown’s career took a hit after his legal battles with his former record label, Eric Many. The dispute led to a hiatus, and Runtown struggled to keep up the momentum. Though he returned with new music in 2020, it wasn’t enough to completely revive his career. His absence from the limelight and ongoing legal troubles contributed to a significant decline in his popularity, showing how even top stars can falter when faced with personal and professional obstacles.
Conclusion
The stories of Dammy Krane, Sean Tizzle, Tekno, Klever Jay, and Runtown serve as important reminders of the challenges that come with fame in the ever-evolving Nigerian music industry. While many of these artists once enjoyed massive success, they have faced personal and professional setbacks that led to their fall from grace. Whether it’s scandal, lack of consistency, legal battles, or simply the intense competition in the industry, these musicians’ experiences highlight the unpredictability of a music career.
For aspiring musicians, the rise and fall of these stars also offer valuable lessons about maintaining relevance, staying grounded, and adapting to change in order to sustain long-term success.
