What happens when talent isn’t enough? That’s the question flooding social media after a post by netizen Oyebanji Akins (@Oyebanji_akins) went viral on X (formerly Twitter), sparking a firestorm of commentary about the forgotten legacy of Nigerian artist Mr. May D.
Akins’ post, which referenced a recent interview with the “Soundtrack” crooner, questioned how someone so instrumental in Nigeria’s music rise could vanish from the scene with so little to show for it. He wrote:
“It’s hard to understand the kind of business deals that shaped Nigeria’s music industry years ago. Take Mr. May D, under a label for 4 years, delivering hits, writing songs, yet had no bank account?”
The tweet drew attention not only to May D’s impressive yet overlooked accomplishments—including being the first Nigerian to collaborate with South Africa’s Mafikizolo—but also to the systemic issues plaguing the entertainment industry.
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A Brief But Bright Flame
May D once stood at the frontier of Afrobeat’s global expansion. In 2011, his debut single “Soundtrack” lit up the airwaves. By 2012, “Ile Ijo” had every club and radio station on lock. In 2013, his track “Happiness” with Mafikizolo further proved he was ahead of his time, even helping introduce the now-popular Amapiano sound to Nigeria.
But despite a stream of hits and even a near-signing with Akon, May D’s star dimmed. Fans are now questioning how such a promising artist could fall off so dramatically.
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Industry Fallout and Lost Potential
Some commenters blame mismanagement and greed. Others say May D didn’t do enough to adapt or maintain relevance. One commenter, @Oluwagloryy, said, “Those who surrounded May D didn’t want him to grow. Today they are rich enough to help his career but choose to neglect him.”
Others pointed fingers at his former label heads, P-Square and Jude Okoye, accusing them of failing to invest in his long-term growth. Meanwhile, critics argued that May D himself bears some responsibility for not setting up the basics—like opening a bank account or building a financial safety net.
Still, many agree that May D was talented and that the system failed him in many ways. As @iZIKUNusual put it, “Give him his flowers, please. Sure boy is the first to hop on Amapiano. Psquare did him dirty.”
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A Larger Problem in the Industry
This isn’t just about May D. From Cynthia Morgan to Maleek Berry, the Nigerian music industry has a recurring problem: talent without structure. Many artists burn bright, only to vanish due to poor contracts, lack of financial literacy, or inadequate support systems.
Another commenter noted, “Most did not save for the rainy day. Drugs and women distracted them.” Others, like @bulalathegreat, proposed solutions: “There should be a platform to bring back old hits. That’s the only way to help them.”
The Price of Fame in Nigeria
The conversation around May D’s rise and fall serves as a cautionary tale—and a call to action. As netizens debate who is to blame, one truth remains: the Nigerian music industry needs more accountability, artist education, and long-term planning.
Until then, stories like May D’s will continue to echo through the timeline—reminders of what happens when talent is not protected by structure.
Picture Credit: vanguardngr.com
