Rudeboy Says Social Media Has Reduced the Mystique Around Musicians

Nigerian singer Paul Okoye, popularly known as Rudeboy and formerly one half of the defunct P-Square duo, has argued that social media has reduced the mystique surrounding musicians and weakened the excitement fans once felt when they encountered their favourite artistes.

Speaking in a recent interview with Lun Lifestyle TV, the singer said the constant exposure of musicians online had changed how audiences perceive them, making it harder for artistes to maintain the sense of mystery that once elevated their public image.

Rudeboy explained that before social media became widespread, fans often encountered their favourite musicians mainly through music videos, public appearances and live performances. He believes that limited visibility helped create anticipation and excitement around artistes.

The Reason With Me crooner also questioned the growing emphasis on music videos, suggesting that the amount spent producing them may no longer deliver the same impact in an era dominated by social media content.

“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,” he said.

Using the late American pop icon Michael Jackson as an example, Rudeboy argued that constant online exposure could reduce the extraordinary reactions fans once displayed when seeing major stars in person.

“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,” he said.

The singer acknowledged that social media had brought positive changes to the music industry but argued that excessive exposure had also encouraged what he described as “see-finish”. He said fans now routinely see personal moments, including how artistes eat, cry and spend time at clubs, reducing the distance that once separated celebrities from their audiences.

Rudeboy also questioned advice encouraging musicians to post online every day, arguing that artistes should not have to reveal every aspect of their lives to remain relevant. His comments have raised a broader question for the music industry: how can musicians use social media to connect with audiences while preserving the exclusivity and anticipation that once helped build their star power?