A recent panel on entertainment journalism sparked a rare moment of agreement between artists and media. The discussion was part of the Wale Olomu Memorial Awards program, broadcast live on TopRadio. Participants examined how media coverage shapes musical careers in Nigeria.
Singer and media executive Wunmi Obe noted that whoever controls the media controls public perception. She said artists themselves often grant that power. Afro-soul performer Kayefi Osha warned that lost credibility is hard to regain, stressing the need for artists to tell their own stories. Veteran singer Aralola Olamuyiwa, known as Ara, said digital age reporting directly impacts career trajectory, with artistry mattering more than gender.
Media professionals on the panel acknowledged the tension. Broadcaster Jimi Akinniyi pointed out that artists want narrative control while journalists face public pressure. Writers Jide Taiwo and Olumide Iyanda emphasized the duty to report fairly, beyond personal friendships. The consensus identified sensationalism and misinformation as major threats to artistic longevity.
The roundtable preceded the awards ceremony scheduled for the following weekend. That event will honor lifetime achievements and special contributions to Nigeria's entertainment industry, continuing its live radio broadcast.
Singer and media executive Wunmi Obe noted that whoever controls the media controls public perception. She said artists themselves often grant that power. Afro-soul performer Kayefi Osha warned that lost credibility is hard to regain, stressing the need for artists to tell their own stories. Veteran singer Aralola Olamuyiwa, known as Ara, said digital age reporting directly impacts career trajectory, with artistry mattering more than gender.
Media professionals on the panel acknowledged the tension. Broadcaster Jimi Akinniyi pointed out that artists want narrative control while journalists face public pressure. Writers Jide Taiwo and Olumide Iyanda emphasized the duty to report fairly, beyond personal friendships. The consensus identified sensationalism and misinformation as major threats to artistic longevity.
The roundtable preceded the awards ceremony scheduled for the following weekend. That event will honor lifetime achievements and special contributions to Nigeria's entertainment industry, continuing its live radio broadcast.
