Nigerian music producer Alexander Uwaifo, widely known as Andre Vibez, has warned that raw talent is not enough to survive in the entertainment industry. He urged upcoming singers to build psychological toughness to handle the stress that comes with pursuing a musical career.
Speaking with Punch's Sunday Scoop, the hitmaker explained that a lack of mental preparation directly damages creative work. He noted that when performers cannot cope with the demands of the business, their output suffers no matter how gifted they might be.
Vibez, who is currently serving as a judge on the talent competition Next Afrobeats Star, also pointed out that newcomers must break away from copying their role models. While admitting that imitation is often a normal starting phase for beginners, he stressed that lasting success requires a deliberate effort to craft an original sound.
The beatmaker noted that while modern technology and software have made recording songs cheaper and easier, the market has become heavily crowded as a result. Because almost anyone can set up a laptop to record, emerging acts now face intense competition alongside serious hurdles like limited funding and scarce promotional opportunities.
Beyond making melodies, Vibez emphasised the value of personal branding and storytelling in capturing listeners. He pointed to legendary global icons Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston, noting how their distinct fashion choices, public personas, and narratives elevated their stardom.
Addressing the quest for international acclaim, the producer stated that no one possesses a foolproof formula for creating a chart-topping record. He confessed that he has produced tracks he thought would become massive hits, only for them to underperform in the market.
Vibez advised emerging talents to avoid complacency, urging them to keep rehearsing, testing new ideas, and expanding their creative boundaries as they work toward career longevity.
