Liberian singer JZyNo recently took to social media to share his candid sentiments after losing the Best New Artiste of the Year award to Nigeria’s Portable at the prestigious 2023 African Entertainment Awards, USA. The artist, known for his trending afrobeats hit ‘Butta My Bread’ featuring Ghana’s Lasmid, didn’t hold back in expressing his disappointment and raising important questions about the dynamics of recognition in the music industry.
In a thought-provoking Facebook post, JZyNo delved into the regional dynamics that seem to play a role in major music awards. “We lost Afrimma’s Best New Artist award to a Nigerian. We also lost AEA-USA’s Best New Artist award to a Nigerian. If they won over us because of population, then we have a long way to go. How Portable won Best New Artist over JZyNo in 2023?” questioned JZyNo, highlighting the impact of regional disparities on awards that extend beyond artistic merit.
The artist’s reflections touch on a broader issue faced by musicians from smaller regions in the industry. The challenge lies not only in competing with artists from more populous countries but also in navigating the intricate web of industry politics and biases that can influence award outcomes.
JZyNo’s journey, marked by his distinctive afrobeats sound and collaborations with artists from different regions, sheds light on the struggles and triumphs faced by artists who hail from places that may not have the same level of industry infrastructure and exposure.
Despite the disappointment, JZyNo’s openness about the challenges artists face in breaking through regional barriers adds an important voice to the ongoing conversation about inclusivity and fairness in the music industry.
As the industry continues to evolve, discussions sparked by artists like JZyNo contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the hurdles faced by talents from diverse backgrounds. The hope is that these conversations lead to positive changes and a more level playing field for all artists, regardless of their geographical origin.
Check out his new release below.
