by Edward Israel-Ayide

Poorest display of Autotune I’ve heard in ages. A mediocre production that is lyrically reminiscent of poorly recited nursery rhymes.

In a bid to augment a barely-existing acting career, that in my opinion leaves much to be desired, Nollywood actress Tonto Dike has released two singles “HI” and “ITZ OVA” from her foray into the music industry. What beats me is how it seems easy for someone who has delivered mediocre offerings in one field to think they will make headway in another. Mediocrity, like excellence, is who you are.

If this is a sensational medium to promote her “brand”, if this is an attempt to keep her in the news by presenting something shocking and garish to the public, then I’d say kudos to her and her PR/Management team. But if this by any chance is an honest, determined attempt to sneak a toe-hold in the already nauseatingly saturated Nigerian music industry, then darling Tonto, please go. Get. A. Life.

Of course I know #Poko (Whatever that repulsive #Yolo wannabe word means) adherents and fans will burn me fast, and attack me for not appreciating “One of Nigeria’s top talents”, but I’d say to you: to each his own. Go on celebrating mediocrity becomes it comes in a popular package. Some of us will demand excellence from those who hoist themselves up on the soapbox of public opinion.

On Twitter, Ayo Shonaiya, someone who has been in the industry for years and sure knows his onions, tried to impress on me that perhaps it is important that we allow her test the waters with this attempt, and come to a realization on her own if she wants to stay in the music industry. He said that perhaps “excellence will come through competition” and was of the opinion that music, like cooking or a foreign language could be learnt and perfected over time. Even without initial talent or flair for the art.

I want to believe he is right, and hope that this will not serve as a means for young people who have been pursuing excellence in their art to go “Why worry about these high standards and put so much pressure on myself? Let me just do it anyhow”.

I await the coming weeks and months as I enjoy these hilarious tweets and picture memes that are being spread all over social media, and hope personally that Tonto passes the mic to other more talented ladies and focus more on her acting and improve on that.

In the meantime, this is my review of both tracks:  Poorest display of Autotune I’ve heard in ages. A mediocre production that is lyrically reminiscent of poorly recited nursery rhymes… A mistake waiting to happen that’s finally happened.

It’s all #Poko baby!

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Edward Israre-Ayide is an personal branding consultant.  He has worked in fashion and advertising, and is an ardent Chelsea FC fan.

 

Op-ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija.