Nigerian music star Terry G has sparked conversations online after calling out younger artists for showing disrespect to industry veterans. In a post shared on X, Terry G described himself as a blueprint in the music scene and claimed his influence gave today’s artists the confidence to smoke Indian hemp on stage.
He argued that if not for his actions and sacrifices, many of the current actors wouldn’t have dared to behave as freely as they do on stage. According to him, his career broke certain boundaries that younger artists now take for granted.
Terry G didn’t stop there. He criticized the habit of calling older artists “outdated,” describing it as a sign of ignorance and disrespect. He pointed to Western stars like Jay-Z and Beyoncé, who still enjoy admiration regardless of their age or how long they’ve been in the industry. He believes Nigerian artists deserve the same respect and recognition, not mockery or dismissal.
In an Instagram update, he urged fans and fellow musicians to value local legends and preserve the culture they helped shape. His message was clear: African musicians must stop throwing away their legends and start celebrating them like the West does.
Terry G, often called the “Ginjah Master” and “Akpako Master,” is known for his wild energy, unpredictable style, and bold lyrics. Though he once admitted to using hard drugs, including weed, he said in a 2014 interview that he had stopped.
While there’s no confirmed evidence that he was the first artist to smoke on stage, his open claim adds to his controversial reputation. Still, as a pioneer of the “Chante-chante” genre, Terry G’s influence on Nigerian music remains undeniable. How fans and the industry will react to his latest statements is yet to be seen.
