The Nigerian artist Terry G has once again stirred up public conversation, this time after comparing himself to global music icons Beyoncé and Jay-Z in a recent social media post.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the “Free Madness” crooner responded to claims that his career is past its peak. He argued that while Western stars like Beyoncé and Jay-Z are still celebrated regardless of age or current chart presence, Nigerian audiences are too quick to discard their own legends.
“I hear people say, ‘Your time don pass!’ and it sounds like brain damage. In the West, legends are respected for life. No one calls Jay-Z or Beyoncé outdated. Their impact is honored,” Terry G posted.
He went on to criticize what he described as a mindset of “internalised inferiority,” which he believes contributes to the lack of lasting respect for homegrown talent.
“Here in Africa, especially Nigeria, we’re quick to discard our own. That’s why we believe our ancestors were evil, while Western ancestors are seen as gods. It’s time to break free from that mindset,” he added. “If you don’t keep adding value to yourself and those around you, your worth will fade—no matter how great you once were.”
As expected, Terry G’s comments sparked heated debate online. Critics were quick to point out that Beyoncé is actively touring and Jay-Z remains influential in music and business, while Terry G himself has been relatively quiet musically in recent years.
“Terry G sir. Jay Z is still working, Beyoncé is currently on tour. Weytin you Dey do??” one user wrote.
Others, however, agreed with his broader point, lamenting the tendency in Nigeria to overlook or diminish the contributions of past stars.
“He has a point. We don’t celebrate our own… Just a culture of beef and jealousy. Na only for Nigeria we dey see celebrities of ‘before before,’ whereas Oyibo na ‘once a legend – forever a legend,’” a supporter commented.
This isn’t the first time Terry G has stirred public opinion. He recently made headlines for claiming it was “disrespectful” to compare him with controversial singer Portable, another statement that drew mixed reactions.
