Nigerian singer Korede Bello sparked a conversation about artistic validation in a recent interview. When asked about the pressure for Nigerian musicians to seek recognition from international award shows like the Grammys, Bello offered a refreshing perspective.
Bello emphasized the importance of connecting with fans, stating, “Awards are good, but knowing that your music makes people happy is a better feeling.” He prioritizes the emotional impact of his music over external validation.
While acknowledging the prestige of award nominations, Bello views them as secondary to the success of his music. “When an artist makes it to the nomination list of a prestigious award, I believe they are already winners,” he said. However, he places greater value on “rewards from commercial success.”
Bello does recognize the importance of validation for artists, but on a deeper level. He sees validation as confirmation that his “art” resonates with audiences, potentially inspiring others to create meaningful music as well.