"Social Media Has Stripped Artistes Of Their Mystique" — Rudeboy

Nigerian singer Paul Okoye, popularly known as Rudeboy, has argued that the constant exposure on social media has stripped musicians of their star power and the mystery that once surrounded them.

Speaking in a recent interview with Lun Lifestyle TV, the 'Reason With Me' crooner noted that while digital platforms have broadened an artiste's reach, they have also fostered a culture of overfamiliarity that diminish their godlike status.

According to him, the relentless demand to create content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram has affected the anticipation and thrill that used to accompany music video releases and public appearances.

He pointed out that the reason fans rarely faint at the sight of their idols anymore is simply because they see them dancing and promoting their music online every single day. He compared this to the past, noting that legends like Michael Jackson would have lost their aura if they constantly posted promotional content.

The singer acknowledged that while social media has brought positive changes to the industry, it has also led to a "see-finish" phenomenon where the public sees an artiste's most private moments, including how they eat and cry.

He also noted that the days of artistes enjoying private moments in restricted club VIP areas are gone, as everyone is now armed with a camera.

He said:
"Music videos somehow now, because of this generation, is a waste of money. I am sorry to say this. But do you remember us [P-Square] before? You don’t see us anywhere. You just watch music videos, you see us and that’s it, or we come to your country, you see us."

"The reason you don’t see people faint for artistes anymore is because they see them on TikTok every day dancing and promoting your music. If Michael Jackson was alive now and doing promotional content on social media, nobody would see him and faint."

"Unfortunately, it’s too late for us to bring back the era of artistes being mystiques. How can you advise an artiste to post every day? How? Post what? You don’t need to."

"Social media brought positive change to the industry but it also led to ‘see-finish.’ Artistes are now too exposed. Fans see how they eat and cry. Before when artistes go to club, they stay in restricted VIP areas, but now when they are clubbing, everyone is filming."