Nigerian rapper Dremo has spoken candidly about his ongoing struggle for recognition in the music industry, revealing that despite his talent and dedication, he often feels overlooked by fans and industry players alike. In a recent interview on Echo Room, the artist shared his frustrations, stating that many people do not fully appreciate his abilities in the studio. He admitted to accepting his position as an underdog, even though he believes he has more to offer than what is currently visible to the public. Dremo linked his limited visibility to the genre he represents—rap—which he says receives less attention from Nigerian audiences compared to dominant sounds like Afrobeats and pop.
Dremo’s comments come amid a broader conversation about genre bias in Nigeria’s music landscape. He explained that while Afrobeats and pop music dominate airwaves and streaming charts, rap often gets sidelined, making it harder for artists like him to gain the same level of mainstream success. This lack of exposure, he believes, has contributed to his underappreciated status. Despite his efforts and consistent output, Dremo said he still feels undervalued. “I feel like I am so underrated. People don’t know what I can do in the studio. But it is okay, I like the underdog story. I feel like I am so underrated. Dem no rate me at all,” he stated during the interview.
The rapper also reflected on his time with Davido Music Worldwide (DMW), a label that once housed some of Nigeria’s most prominent artists. He revealed that his experience with the label did not meet his expectations. Dremo said the focus within DMW was heavily centered on its founder, Davido, leaving little room for other signed artists to shine. “Even DMW as a whole didn’t collaborate much. We never had a record label album. The management focused only on Davido,” he noted. He further disclosed that the label did not provide him with financial support, describing it more as a platform than a nurturing environment for growth. “The label didn’t give me money. It was like a platform. I didn’t get what I wanted from the label,” he added.
Dremo’s journey highlights the challenges faced by many Nigerian rap artists who are often overshadowed by the popularity of other genres. His story resonates with a growing number of musicians who feel their contributions are not adequately recognized. Despite these setbacks, Dremo remains committed to his craft, using his experiences to fuel his determination. His openness about these struggles may inspire others in similar situations to speak up and demand fairer representation. As the Nigerian music industry continues to evolve, artists like Dremo are pushing for greater diversity and recognition across all genres.
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