Nigerian singer WurlD urges new musicians to find unique sounds and stop copying global superstars
On August 23, 2026, Nigerian singer Sadiq Onifade, known as WurlD, urged emerging artists to embrace authenticity rather than copying established stars. During an Afropolitan Podcast interview, the talented songwriter warned new talents against imitating top acts like Davido, Wizkid, and Tems.
ValidUpdates understands that the rapid copycat culture in Afrobeats is currently facing intense public criticism. Sources confirm that top industry voices want new talents to break away from chasing viral trends.
On August 23, 2026, WurlD addressed this growing issue during a deep Afropolitan Podcast interview. The popular show regularly features major African creators discussing the hidden truths of their massive industries. The music star spoke openly about the dark side of the modern music business.
Breaking The Algorithm
The respected songwriter noted that unique sounds originally drew him to the music industry. He explained how discovering daring artists completely shaped his entire creative journey.
”What made me love music was like you you’d hear like 100 songs in a day but you hear this one song by this one artist that’s just so freaking different and you’d be like ‘How dare you try that?'” the singer recalled.
New musicians must quickly realize that fans crave complete authenticity above all else. ValidUpdates understands that organic fan promotion only happens when a track feels genuinely different. This bold creative strategy remains the absolute best path to massive success.
”Every new artist that people discover people share because like yo have you heard this they heard somebody that tried something different and they were very authentic with it that’s really what works,” he noted.
Meanwhile, the hitmaker confessed that he heavily avoids chasing viral internet trends. He consistently leans on the bold steps taken by his personal music idols.
”I’ve never been the trendy person cuz I I grew up been inspired by by artists and creatives that tried things and did something different,” the star admitted.
The star repeated his deep passion for finding truly groundbreaking new music. He painted a vivid picture of how listeners react to a totally unexpected sound. That brief moment of shock ultimately turns a regular listener into a loyal superfan.
”What made me love music was like let’s say you hear like 100 songs in a day but you hear this one song by this one artist that’s just so freaking different and you be like ‘How dare you try that?'” the vocalist stressed.
A highly unique song easily triggers a massive wave of personal music recommendations. Fans quickly rush to play the unusual track for their close friend circle.
”And you start sharing that with like your friends sharing that with family have you heard this,” he explained.
Copying Global Megastars
The vocal powerhouse strongly advised rising stars against mimicking successful Afrobeats giants. He demanded that fresh talents look inward to find their own personal voice. Attempting to copy established legends will quickly destroy a promising new career.
”Be yourself don’t sound like another Devito,” the artist declared.
He then listed several massive global acts who already dominate their specific sonic lanes. New acts must completely avoid replicating the distinct styles of these powerful superstars.
”Don’t sound like another world be yourself don’t sound like another Devito don’t sound like a Chris Brown don’t sound like every single artist don’t sound like a Whiskuit don’t sound like Remma don’t sound like Temps,” he added.
Notably, everyday listeners quickly get tired of hearing recycled sounds from upcoming acts. WurlD used Grammy-winning star Tems as a prime example of this harsh listener fatigue. An exact copycat will never grab the attention of a truly devoted fan.
”Everyone that I just mentioned have something that people love if I listen to a Tim’s album all day I don’t want to listen to a new artist that sounds just like her,” the songwriter pointed out.
Building A Devoted Tribe
Beyond just making music, artists must build a deep emotional bond with their audience. WurlD pushed young creators to search carefully for their most loyal and true supporters.
”Find your tribe and communicate right,” he advised.
The music veteran urged creators to speak directly to the shared human experience. Fans naturally flock toward musicians who dress, sound, or feel exactly like them. This genuine approach turns casual music streaming into a highly supportive real community.
”We’re human beings first so when the music resonates and it communicates with somebody because of you just went through something or this person dressed like you this person sounds like they’re talking about you it’s about communicating,” the musician explained.
At this point, the star reminded everyone that true growth relies entirely on connection. Staying highly authentic ensures that an artist’s personal community expands rapidly over time.
”When you communicate with a tribe of people it grows and staying true to yourself,” WurlD concluded.
