Nigerian Juju music icon Sir Shina Peters has set social media abuzz after boldly claiming that he has more timeless classics than the late American pop legend, Michael Jackson.

Speaking on a recent episode of The Honest Bunch Podcast, hosted by Nedu, Husband Material, and Deity Cole, the 67-year-old musician reflected on his long and successful career, emphasizing that the true legacy of any artist lies in the number of evergreen songs they create. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

“I Have More Evergreen Hits Than Michael Jackson” — Shina Peters

Sir Shina Peters, who gained global fame in the late 1980s and 1990s with his signature Afro-Juju sound, said he feels deeply fulfilled by the enduring appeal of his music.

According to him, many artists chase fame, money, and awards, but what truly matters is leaving behind music that never fades.

“The only thing you can show for showbiz at the end of it all is how many evergreens you have produced,” he said.
“To my credit, I have four evergreen songs. Even Michael Jackson has just two — ‘Of the World’ and ‘Thriller’. So, if I have four, I am accomplished.”

His comment immediately sent fans into a frenzy online, with many debating whether his claim was confidence, comedy, or pure pride in his musical legacy.

Regardless, the veteran musician’s point highlighted the importance of timeless artistry — something many of today’s fast-rising artists struggle to achieve in the streaming era.

Shina Peters Speaks on the State of Nigerian Music

Beyond his bold comparison with the late King of Pop, Sir Shina Peters also shared his thoughts on the current state of the Nigerian music industry.

He lamented that much of what he and his contemporaries built over decades — in terms of structure, originality, and discipline — has been “bastardised” by the new generation of artists.

“The standards we set have been compromised,” he lamented. “In our time, music was about message, mastery, and melody. Today, it’s mostly about trends and money. Many don’t even know their craft.”

The “Ace” crooner, who was instrumental in fusing Juju with Afrobeat and highlife, emphasized that music should carry both rhythm and reason — a principle he believes defines true greatness.

From Child Prodigy to Music Legend

Sir Shina Peters’ confidence didn’t appear from nowhere. His journey in music began early — and his achievements came quickly.

He started his professional career at the tender age of 10, performing alongside legendary musicians like Prince Adekunle and Chief Ebenezer Obey before forming his own band, “Sir Shina Peters & His International Stars.”

His 1989 album, Ace (Afro-Juju Series 1), became an instant hit, turning him into one of Africa’s biggest music exports. The record — powered by songs like “Ijo Shina” and “Ace” — redefined Juju music and introduced a new fusion of energy, percussion, and showmanship that captured audiences across Nigeria and beyond.

He followed up with other hit albums, including Shinamania and Experience, cementing his place as a trailblazer in African popular music.

Fans React to His “More Classics Than Michael Jackson” Comment

As expected, fans reacted strongly to his viral comment. While some criticized it as an overstatement, others defended his right to self-confidence and celebrated his impact on African music.

A fan wrote on X:

“Sir Shina Peters might not be Michael Jackson, but let’s give him his flowers. His songs are still being played at parties decades later — that’s real legacy.”

Another fan jokingly said:

“Maybe in Juju music, yes. But nobody touches MJ when it comes to global classics. Still, respect to a legend.”

Regardless of the debate, one thing is clear — Sir Shina Peters remains a proud figure in Nigerian music history, and his influence continues to inspire generations of artists.

Conclusion: “Evergreen Music Is the True Legacy”

Shina Peters’ statement, though controversial, underscores a timeless truth — longevity is the real measure of greatness in music.

While comparisons with Michael Jackson may spark laughter, his message serves as a powerful reminder that the songs that live forever are what truly define an artist’s legacy.

“Money fades, fame fades, but classics never die,” he concluded.

“I have four evergreen. Even Michael Jackson has two.”

– Sir Shina Peters pic.twitter.com/EJqPZpJD5M

— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) October 20, 2025