I have read a lot of comments and posts on social media advising Big Brother Naija Season 5 winner Olamilekan Agbeleshe a.k.a Laycon to release more songs. Some are even with the opinion that the reality TV star might not do well in Nigeria’s music industry which is highly competitive.
They expect that he should have released a couple of songs few months after winning the show, being that he won the love and support of most viewers across the continent while in the house with his intelligence and lyrical prowess.
Some of Laycon’s fans/followers think he should be doing more despite his EP, “Who is Laycon?” amassing more than 20 million streams since he left the house. He was also introduced on the remix of 2020 popular song “Nobody” by DJ Neptune and Joe Boy. The collaboration recorded one million streams on YouTube in the first week of release.
He has also released the visuals to “Hip Hop”, a song off his EP which gained popularity while he was in the house. The video was directed by one of the most creative Video Directors in Nigeria TG Omori and has over one million views on YouTube already.
I really think that he is on track and should not be put under unnecessary pressure to release songs or even an album. Laycon’s management is doing a very good job utilizing this limelight that the reality show has provided.
Apart from winning the N85 million grand price, Laycon has been showered with series endorsement deals. He has gotten mouthwatering deals from Mentos Fresh Action Candy, Oppo Mobile, GOtv Nigeria, Orijin, Beautiful & Body NG, B& T clothing store and Fierce Condoms. Laycon is the first housemate to have this number of deals since the inception of the show.
After the show, there is always a direct or indirect competition among the house mates; the most popular; most entertaining; the person with more endorsement deals. It is important and strategic that Laycon is seizing the moment, living his dreams and working towards a better future.
2020 in review shows that it was not a good year for the music industry in the country, due to the Covid 19 pandemic. No Artiste was able to attend any show and perform for almost 9 months because of the safety procedures in place. So, it is not motivating for Artistes to churn out songs when they won’t have the opportunity to perform to their fans. Live shows are still best avenue these Artistes make their Money, and last year was not a good time for that. I watched an interview when one of the Raves of the moment complained bitterly, that it is painful that he was unable to perform his hit single because of the lockdown.
Also, he is more of a Rapper though he sings too and Rap music in Nigeria is not commercialized. If we are being honest, how many Rappers in Nigeria are in the limelight? He can’t continue to drop the bars and will not cash out, so it is wise of him to be strategic before dishing out any material that will affect his identity.
Laycon has promised his fans and supporters new project in 2021 and all Icons can do is to be patient with the talented Artiste. One thing I am sure of is that he is not going to end a failed musician, he will release hot songs, nice videos, still top charts and win awards.
