Nigerian music star Tekno has shared his thoughts on how relationships have changed in recent years, claiming that love has not felt the same since the COVID-19 lockdown period of 2020.

The “Pana” hitmaker, whose real name is Augustine Kelechi, made the comments during a recent interview on Cool FM Lagos, where he reflected on the impact of the lockdown on romantic relationships and modern love.

Tekno suggested that spending extended periods with partners during the pandemic forced many people to reassess their relationships. According to the singer, some couples discovered that their feelings were not as strong as they previously believed.

“I think since after 2020, love is not the same,” Tekno said. “During the lockdown people got to spend time with their lovers and realised maybe I didn’t love this person as much as I think.”

The singer argued that the unusual circumstances of the pandemic created emotional fatigue among couples, adding that people began valuing relationships differently after experiencing constant togetherness.

He also claimed that marriages have faced more challenges since the pandemic, saying infidelity has increased and some relationships that once appeared strong have struggled to survive.

“If you can’t appreciate the absence then the presence doesn’t really matter,” Tekno said, explaining his belief that distance and independence play important roles in maintaining healthy relationships.

The singer further compared today’s entertainment culture with previous years, stating that love once played a bigger role in music and movies, while modern content often focuses more on popularity and online attention.

“There was a time when love was a thing, even our movies revolve around love. But now movies are just clout. It doesn’t feel organic,” he added.

Tekno’s comments have sparked conversations online, with many Nigerians debating whether the pandemic truly changed how people approach love, commitment and relationships.