By Ian Nkera Ford
This morning we woke up to a scathing letter by Hip Hop artiste Navio and extracts from the letter show a grim side of the rapper. The rapper who is usually not one to pull out the daggers fired at some supposed detractors who had done everything possible to compromise his success.
We must understand that Navio has been amongst the movers and shakers in music this year with stunning videos and the only awards that he didn’t scoop were probably not on display.
A hardworker by all standards who would have a right to dismiss anyone who would try to undermine the effort he puts into his craft.
This was what he had to say:
“The biggest challenge we had was being at the forefront of the industry. People didn’t believe we needed launches, videos, other African award shows and even Hip Hop at all until we came along.
The other big challenge is individuals going out of their way to undermine artists. Every artist has people dedicated to this cause of undermining them.
For example, I was excluded from the line up for R-Kelly’s show. A year after that he was mixing me drinks at his pool bar in his house in Chicago. And we were about to hit the studio.
Next I was purposefully excluded from the Akon show. Next thing you know I’m in his Lamborghini driving around Atlanta a month ago.
Next at Keith Sweat, I was told I wouldn’t be able to attend, perform or see him. Keith lands, calls me up for lunch. He demands seats for me at the show, then to really make these guys feel angry, he calls me on stage at the climax of the show.
The moral is, God’s plan always prevails and it is better to help your artists rather than to end up with a foot in your mouth. Like every other country in Africa, be proud and help your artists. Our victories are yours.
Do not be a slave to your bitterness. Promote your culture.”